Negotiations with the King of the North (Bai Kun)

[Yuan Shao]

The son of Ju Shou, Ju Kou, approached the city of Jinyang; fear sobering his recent alcohol abuse at a bar nearby. Even though he was permitted through the Gu Pass, he could not help looking back – just to make sure that the guards were not tailing him, for he knew that they were men who would gladly take the life of anyone who served under the Yuan family and he was not sure whether the men new that he was from the Yuan family, despite Ju Kou showing them the seal of the Yuan family. One could not be too sure in this time of chaos; especially one who served a lord as conceited as Yuan Shao, and indeed one who was known for being conceited.

In fact, the memory was engraved: He remembered that he realized that he had almost finished his journey. Trying to appear as sober as possible, he approached the pass, disregarding the fear which made adrenalin race though his blood. He was ready to flee as soon as the men turned violent, but to his surprise, the men did not object to his presence there. Perhaps they were drunk with victory, after all several of Yuan Shao’s (that senile, complacent fool) so called “great” cities were taken by these mere peasants. Ju Kou was disgusted that such action was allowed without opposition; he heard that most of the prefects of the cities simply surrendered to the rebels. “Well, never mind that matter”, Ju Kou murmured under his breath – the smell of alcohol pervading the air around the pass. And indeed they were drunk. Not with victory, however, with mere alcohol. Ju Kou grinned – he could have easily killed these foppotees despite his own intoxication – but Kou supressed the thought, what good would it do other than give the barbarians more the reason to put him in a cell and execute him?

He wondered whether “volunteering” for this mission was truly the right choice, after hearing the ruthlessness of the King of the North towards supporters of Yuan Shao. He cursed his father, still cursing him in his mind and under his breath, after it was he who suggested that Ju Kou go in his stead. “This so called ‘King of the North’ is troubling me so. There can only be one King of the North – and that is me.” Yuan Shao proclaimed with pride.
“Cao Cao is growing weary of our growing power” Ju Shou added, “In fact,” he continued, ”it would not be unfair to assume that he is plotting to assassinate my lord soon enough, and fully take Hebei for himself.” If Yuan Shao was worried, his face did not express that. It was not untrue to say that he was even more pompous than ever.
Another of Yuan Shao’s advisors, a lean man by the name of Shen Pei, stepped forwards. “Rather than worrying about a man who has taken no action against us, Master Ju Shou”, he glared at Ju Shou with those words, “Might I suggest that we deal with the problem at hand”[/b] once again trying to intimidate Ju Shou with his words. “This ‘King of the North’ has already spread his dark riders across Bing province, most of the cities have fallen already; my lord these vermin are on our doorstep. And from what I hear they do not take kindly to supporters of my lord. We cannot allow them to continue rampaging through your lands, my lord.” Shen Pei gave a smug smile to Ju Shou, pleased with himself.
“Yes, that may be true, Shen Pei,” Ju Shou said, giving Shen Pei a glare for his slanderous implications, “however, developing a bond with the King of Wei is essential for—“
“Essential for what?” Everyone looked towards the corner of the lavishly adorned throne room, where Yuan Shang was seated. Next to him, was his chief advisor, Pang Ji. “For gaining allies against this menace, I assume?” Ju Shou nodded.
Pang Ji laughed. It penetrated the entire throne room, adding an air of confusion to the situation. ‘Why would he be laughing?’ was a question that all were thinking. The laugh lasted what seemed like hours, when in reality it only lasted for about half a minute, although even that was stretching the limits. Yuan Shao frowned. He was beginning to become displeased at the indecision of his own advisors, and this action from Pang Ji was not helping the situation and hand. Before Yuan had the opportunity to speak, Pang’s tone suddenly became serious.
“You have been acting as a diplomat between Lord Yuan Shao and Cao Cao for years now, and their relationship has not improved. Has no one else honestly noticed this?”
An uproar of suspicious whispers occurred. Ju Kou, who was sitting by his father’s side heard many theories, from Ju Shou defecting sides to Cao Cao, to Ju Shou’s foolhardiness in believing Cao Cao would honestly help the Yuan family. Kou, observed his father, who although keeping a straight face, was in reality panicking.
An advisor of Yuan Tan, Guo Tu stepped forwards. “If you are so intent on diplomacy, Ju Shou, then perhaps we should be negotiating with the ‘King of the North’”.
“And if you are so skilled in diplomacy, Ju Shou, then perhaps you should go and deal with this matter”, Pang Ji added quickly before Ju Shou could reply. He exchanged a quick glance and smile with Guo Tu.
“Cao Cao is not of our main concern, my lord.” Shen Pei said to Yuan Shao, exaggerating every syllable to make sure that his point was taken in. Yuan Shao nodded slowly, realising that this plan pleased him. “Perhaps advisor Ju Shou would like to use his cunning and take care of the King of the North,” he said slowly, savouring every word he could. The three advisors exchanged quick smiles. Ju Kou was impressed: ‘The old fools have ganged up on the only one who could possibly stand up towards them – I can’t see a way father can get out of this matter.’
Yuan Shao stood, it was clear that his mind was made up now. He flicked his arm out and pointed at Ju Shou, his golden armour shimmering, “Very well, I have heard enough. By my divine decision, Ju Shou, you are to go to the ‘King of the North’ and convince him to join our side. Do whatever is necessary, but although it will be simple enough to fight these idiots on two, or even three fronts and our victory would be assured, the battle would be too drawn out and would give the Yuan’s a bad name for not finishing their battles fast enough” He laughed conceitedly.
Ju Shou appeared to be panicking. “But my lord, Cao Cao is expecting me to arrive in a few days at Xuchang.” He suddenly smiled slyly and turned his eyes, but not his head, towards Ju Koy; “Might I suggest sending my son, Ju Kou in my stead?”[/i]

And so Ju Kou began a long journey towards Shangdang, an uneventful journey if anything – however he did drink a little too much at a tavern in the town before Shangdang. He wondered if anyone would notice him, for the guards at the Gu Pass did not, however he assumed those were the stupid muscle-heads. Ju Kou cursed his father again. He wouldn’t be in this predicament if his father was a plain creature; why did he have to be a genius? He was almost at the gate and was nervous. Even though Ju Kou thought Yuan Shao was an idiot, he was sure that he would be treated the same as any other Yuan supporter. He gulped as he saw the heads of the prefects on stakes outside of the city. Clearly deterrence against the massive armies of his lord. “Cao Cao to the south, the Xianbei to the north, and now this new menace.” He stated. All of those old fogies did not have the foresight to see that both Ju Shou and Shen Pei were correct, but of course they must have inherited Yuan Shao's lack of foresight. “What hope is there for us? The Yuan clan is over; we must face the facts,” Ju Kou murmured to himself as he arrived at the city gates. He was met with menacing glares from the guards. “I wish to meet the ‘King of the North’.” he said, stammering slightly. Holding out the seal of the Yuan family, he hoped that this “King of the North” would be merciful.

[baikun]

The guards posted at the Jinyang gates, were chatting about this and that, nothing particulary interesting to anyone, "...well I pushed her over our table and partically fucked her brains out, these mainland girls are quite grateful afterwards too..." But then they saw two riders in the distance, crossing the plain and appraching the raised ground where the city of Jinyang was situated atop of. Their conversation grinded to a halt and crossing their spears the best they could across the entrance to the city to gesture a course of no entry, they halted the new arrivals, the foremost of which proceeded to say their purpose. "Wait here." One of the many guards broke off and wandered off into the city.

The good ten or fifteen minutes of silence that followed, was accompanied by unloving glances from the gate guards. He was here to treat with the King int he North on behalf of Yuan Shao, that was enough to draw their disdain. The time granted the envoy and his attendant time enough to observe their surroundings. There were army camps dotted all around the city, off the road, each housing perhaps a thousand soldiers each. They weren't fortified, but ready to pack up and move any day.

After perhaps twenty minutes, three dark horseman emerged from the city. Each one sported blackened heavy armour, the two on the flanks wore helmets with visors that hid their faces. The one in the center was more regal, if you would, he showed his face and had a finely-trimmed beard and begrudging eyes; red tassels and black studs decorated his black armour, and a gloomy red plume added a colour to his open helmet. He spoke, not unkind, but there was no warm welcome or courtesy in his tone, "Come. I will take you to our King."

The man, a general on appearance led Yuan Shao's messenger into the city, parting the guards at the gate like a pair of curtains as he beckoned the man and his attendant through the great gap in the city's stone walls. "Do you have a name?" He asked as he brought his black shadow of a parallel to the envoy's. His two men took positions up on the left and right of the attendant behind, following the general and the envoy.

They made their way through the bustling streets, parting the crowds like a ship sailing down a river. Life had continued as normal since the ing int eh North had occupied Bingzhou, all that had changed in Jinyang in particular, was the guards, the original garrison had been shifted outside into camps and replaced by the King's own followers.

The five men reached the government office, the seat of Bingzhou's administration and dismounted to ascend the staircase. "Come," the general called. He and his two men led their visitors up the stairs, at the top of which a schoalr was waiting. He wore a brown tunic, lined with black, his hair was unbound, flwoing about his shoulders and reaching his shoulder blades, his face was clean-shaven but for his mustache. "The King awaits our guests," he said in greeting to the general as he fell in line with him and the envoy. The three at the head of the march to the office proceeded on, but the attendant and the two soldiers halted, only the envoy himself was permitted entrance.

"All hail Bai Kun, Protector of Bingzhou and Lord of the Northmen. King in the North, and of the Great Wall," a voice called from the head of the hall. The two men who walked beside the envoy, broke away and advanced, falling onto a knee each with a hand on their chest, "Your grace." "Rise, brothers," a voice called fromt he main seat of power. "To whom of Yuan Shao's men to we have the honour of meeting?" the King asked.

The general and the scholar rose, the latter fell in line with the other officials on one side of the side of the court, the former returned to the envoy's side, behind him to the right. "Your grace, this is Ju Kou, son of Ju Shou, advisor to Yuan Shao, he comes on a mission especially to meet your lordship."

The King nodded, he did not wear gold, he did not sit in luxury, velvets and jewels were strangers to him, and his head bore no crown. He looked on only as a man, but he was held as high in regard as a King. His voice was strong, yet it had a commanding tone, a certain ring to it that lent it power and grace, "Very well. Ju Kou son of Ju Shou, what do you wish to say?"

[Yuan Shao]

After being told to “wait”, Ju Kou began to feel unnerved. There was no reason to ask him to wait, all that they needed to do is take him to see their wretched leader and be done with it. To him, at that time, there was only one conceivable explanation; they were arranging his death. Panicking, Ju Kou wondered whether to stay and risk his life, or leave and save himself from the dark riders of the north. He was beginning to opt for the latter as the minutes passed and his idea in his theory became stronger. Just as he was about to turn, and run, he noticed the various camps in and around the city. Some close by, others distant. Now he realised what had just happened. There was no hope for him now, even if he wanted to run, there would be thousands of soldiers after him. And then he would surely be killed by the barbarians.

Resigned to his fate, he was aroused from his miseries when he noticed three horsemen erupting from the city giving him malicious glares, spears grasped in hand, ready to behead him, at least, that was what Ju Kou imagined. Luckily for Ju Kou, the men didn’t want to murder him, instead indicating him to follow them into the city, to see their King, the word “our” emphasising how unwelcome Ju Kou was. And Ju Kou felt intimidated by the man wearing the black armour, for Ju Kou was only wearing his silken robes – for diplomacy, he left the fighting to his envoy. However, Ju Kou did have a thin sword concealed in its sheath on his belt. On being asked of his name, Ju Kou repeated it to the man, quickly looking him in the eye before becoming intimidated and looking away.

He found it difficult to follow the black armoured men down the street, considering how many of the commoners obstructed their way. What Ju Kou was truly surprised about was how the citizens seemed to be calm; their lives appeared to be normal. Were they not distressed from losing their liege? Surely the citizens must be yearning for a life under an actual king and ruler? And yet, this did not appear so. In fact, the citizens seemed to be mixing with the soldiers. Ju Kou was disgusted. The former residents of a noble empire, now turned into fools who worship false kings. “Peasants and barbarians, a sight to behold,” Ju Kou murmured under his breath.

Other than this, the journey was uneventful, and Ju Kou switched off. He had never bothered to visit Shangdang before, what reason was there for him when Ji was where all of the action occurred? He eventually arrived, along with the other guards, at the administration office. They left his guard behind, and the three horsemen and Ju Kou entered the office. Ju Kou was surprised at how the barbarians described each other. “Your grace” – Kou smiled, peasants talking to other peasants, the beasts. And while the king did not dabble in jewellery, glamour nor a crown, Ju Kou could tell that this “King” was out to gain power.

At the order to speak, Ju Kou began his argument, his mind racing to find the right words to win over the King, realising that it was his words that would mean life or death for himself, his father and the whole of the Yuan kingdom.

“Lord Bai Kun,” he began, “I have heard many, many, many stories of your great feats over the past few months. And indeed, you have assisted my lord, Yuan Shao, a great deal as well. I understand that you have been attacking the Xianbei rebels in addition to our own armies, and we are very thankful for your help in this matter.” He paused to contemplate what to say next. “It is also true to say that it is impressive that you have taken over many of the Yuan clan’s cities, and it is for this reason that Lord Yuan Shao proposes an alliance with the King of the North.” He waited to see what the response of Bai Kun would be before he continued any further – the situation was like a surgery – one wrong move and the organism (the hopes of an alliance) would perish along with the Yuan family and Ju Kou himself.

[baikun]

No kneeling, not even the courtesy of a bow, or salute. Definately one of Yuan's ilk this one. Bai Kun could feel the stirring of his court, the started mummering amongst themselves at the outrage, he silenced them with a simple hand motion. He could see Liang Suo, his top general burrowing hate filled holes in the back of the Yuan envoy's head at his arrogant conduct. The man spoke pleasantly enough, though he addressed the King as a 'lord', an insult to his heightened power, Bai Kun remained calm, but the unrest across the hall was apparent.

"You speak fair, yet utterly misguided words, master Ju Kou," Bai Kun leaned forward, his elbows setting up a restful camp on his knees, setting his gaze upon Ju Kou, and Ju Kou alone. "But, you know nothing." Whatever discomfort Ju Kou may have already felt at that point was no doubt increased. "You speak of the threat of the Xianbei, a threat that I alone have contained - where I could. This Yuan Shao, your lord, he mocks me."

"He has the audacity to thank me for helping him fight the Xianbei? I did not lower myself to aid him. I fight because I must, my allegiance to China calls for me to fight those that would encroach our borders, and aid my fellow countrymen." The King stirred in his seat, "Your old useless lord, instead of defending the nation, and it's best interest seeks only to further his own agenda."

The King stood up, his voice raised a notch, "I seek no friendship with Yuan Shao, I do not seek his repentance, what has been done, has already been done, the die has been cast. He will atone for his crimes against his countrymen. I will see to his end."

"Here are my terms," Bai Kun thought for an instant, then continued. "First. Lord Yuan will yield the north to my command, his office will be transferred to me, his military tallies too. Everything."

"Second. Lord Yuan will submit to me his person, and those of his council who advocated he re-emerge as a power. They will pay the price for their crimes against the country, and be released from life with a clean conscience," Bai Kun finished.

He knew Yuan was too proud to accept the terms, but he tried to seem reasonable there would be no mercy for him, but the mercy of death, for Yuan Shao himself at least.

Bai Kun sat back down and reclined, "Is there anything else you wish to say Ju Kou?" He sighed and shook his head, new found fire burned in the King in the North's eyes, "Honestly, I don't care anymore. Liang." A voice called from behind Ju Kou, "My king?" Bai Kun's answer was simple and mood changing, dripping with venom. "Take this corrupted scholar's hands."

A dark armoured gauntlet shot out from behind Ju Kou and found a satisfying spot which it smashed against in the envoy's lower back. The crunch of impact was satisfying, Liang Suo grabbed the man's collar and stepped down on his right calf, forcing him to his knees. "Xin," the King called. His other demon rider, also outfitted in black stepped forward, his broadsword in hand.

Liang Suo kicked Ju Kou face first onto the ground and wrestled his right hand away from his chest, and held it to the floor with his armoured boot, Xin's hack was swift and Ju Kou was one hand down after a shrill cry of steel striking the stone floor of the office. Xin Feng kicked the hand down toward the entrance of the hall. Amid the shrill, heart-chilliing cries of Ju Kou's pain, his one remaining hand was wrenched from his grasp and removed in a likewise fashion. "I'll need a new sword," General Xin commented, showing his king the blunted end from the strikes against the ground, he received a nod of acknowledgment from Bai Kun.

Liang Suo left Ju Kou squirming on the ground, no doubt trying to nurse his own wounds in the comfort of his hands, but they were gone. "Bag his hands and send him home with them," the King decreed. Liang Suo hurled the schoalr onto his knees, whimpering. "Master Ju, tell your lord and father all I told you today. The northmen are coming down from Bingzhou, and I will see what the Yuan's are worth when they actually fight. Restore to master Ju his horse and give him safe passage back to Jizhou Get him out of my sight." Liang Suo dragged Ju Kou out of the hall back to the entrance where his attendant was waiting.

The audience hall was deathly quiet, but for the receeding cries of Ju Kou as he was dragged outside. Lieutenant Rong Li was the first to speak, with a amused chuckle, "Was that really necessary, your grace?" Bai Kun looked over and smiled at his advisor, "Perhaps not, but it sends a message, while removing one of the corrupt pens behind Yuan Shao's false propaganda."

[Yuan Shao]

Agony. That was the first reaction of Ju Kou as the first blade struck his hand. It was similar to a beheading, without his hand, his arm was now limp – without its centre all tasks would have been hopeless. Then the next merciless strike took another of his hands. At this point, Ju Kou fainted – on the border of the living and the dead. The only true feeling to him was the feeling of the blood squirming out of his arteries, desperately seeking to be free like an animal trapped in a cage. It was an odd feeling. For he had never been on the battlefield, never grazed himself playing a game; his life was devoted to studies and as such, he had never experienced himself losing blood. His heart kept producing more adrenalin to keep him going, but alas, the adrenalin kept being lost in the blood that seeped out of his arms. As he was dragged away, it left a trail. A trail that showed the consequences of being on the wrong side. Kou looked at Bai Kun, struggling to even support the weight of his small head. There was no expression to sympathy, an insult to a man as prestigious as he. Before they left for Ji province, they had his arms wrapped in some cloth to nullify the bleeding.

The journey was another uneventful one, perhaps due to Ju Kou’s newfound hatred in life. He found that he hated these people (“How dare they treat me, nobility, in such a cruel manner?), Yuan Shao (“That scoundrel he was the one who got his army in this situation!”) and even his own father (“What fool would send his son to do diplomacy when he himself is much more skilled in the art?”). He even found it unbearable to look at the environment despite how beautiful it was. As the minutes turned into hours, and the hours into seemingly long days, Ju Kou finally arrived at the grand city of the Yuan clan. It was at this point that he was abandoned by the guards of Bai Kun (“Curse that *@$”**!^$(“)$”) and it was also at this point that he had given up hope on everything. He just wanted to go to his estate and have a servant kill him. For what use was he without his arms? He would be slandered, a disgrace in the courts of the Yuan.

After being escorted to his home by two gate guards, who were looking forwards but constantly eyeing his hands (or rather, stumps), he entered the lavishly decorated house. Signalling the guards to leave, he sat down on one of the couches and wept to himself, wallowing in his own self-pity.

Ju Kou arrived at the council early next morning wearily. He had attempted to commit suicide several times the day before, once even trying to bribe the servants to kill their master. Of course it didn’t work, and he was forced to go to the “war council” when it was only in reality Yuan’s advisors arguing and running around like headless chickens. He was about to put his head in his hands, when he remembered the dismembering of them. Staring at his stumps, he was shooed into the palace and led along the corridor which was adorned with various portraits of the Yuan family, mostly of Yuan Shao, of course. Once entering, he was unpleasantly met with gasps and screeches and stares from the old duffers.
”This, my lord, is the reason why we must go to war with these rebels.” Guo Tu pointed to Ju Kou’s stumps. He wasn’t quite pleased with being used as an example by those who had forced him into this hopeless position, but he did not care now; the injury had damaged him not only physically, but mentally as well. He was a mellow man, much like a senior citizen.
”Yes, my lord, I agree with Master Guo Tu. Our army is far larger and far more superior than this ‘King of the North’s’ arm-“
”Actually, his name is in fact the ‘King in the North’, not the ‘King of the North’”. Everyone turned to the corner of the room where Ju Kou sat, his stump covering his mouth. He did not know why he attempted to correct Shen Pei, perhaps out of fear that not remembering the proper title would result in another of his limbs being massacred. Shen Pei smiled. He strolled over to Ju Kou and pointed him in the face.
”Look at what has happened to Lord Ju Shou’s son. I am sure that if he was here then he would be sickened by the sight. We send an emissary to negotiate with these barbarians, and yet they send him back in such terrible condition? This shows what these fools are capable of. Who would act this cruelly towards the Yuan, knowing what will happen if they do? Clearly these men think they are fit enough to go against us. I say, my Lord, that you entertain them. Entertain these fools’ wishes, and destroy them.” He clenched his fist when he said the last clause. Cheers erupted from the deadly silence that pervaded the room. They created uproar so loud that even citizens on the opposite side of the palace could hear them. Among one cheer, there was a single boo, however. As the cheers died down, it was more audible. It was a woman who was booing, and a flurry of frowns were directed towards her, the intention to pierce her and make her realise the folly of her actions. She stood from her seat in the court, made her way to the middle of the room, bumping Shen Pei in the shoulder on her way there and was about to speak when Yuan Shao spoke. ”Who are you to disapprove of these plans? You must learn your place, woman. Beware, I’ve had enough of women in one lifetime; conniving little snakes they are.” A few laughs burst out in the war council. Yuan Shao smiled, but also reflected. He remembered Zhen Ji, who abandoned his son Yuan Xi at Guandu for Cao Cao’s less glamorous son Cao Pi. For Yuan, it was two defeats; both militarily and in social status.
The women ignored Yuan Shao’s slander to women, instead looking up to his angry, contorted face, her eyes appearing calm. In fact, she surprised Yuan – her iris not having the common brown colour, instead having an uncommon blue. A dark shade of blue, but noticeable regardless. She smiled and said cooly:
”Lord Yuan Shao, I am Shen Fei, the daughter of a high ranking official. He should be present in this room at this moment in time. I have been educated in most matters of importance, including war itself, and I must express my disapproval of the advice from you chief tacticians.” She paced about the centre of the room. ”The basis of any strategy in war is not to fight a war on two fronts; for there is fear that one front will be overpowered and will result in the other half of the army being surrounded by the enemy.” Despite his previous comments, Yuan Shao nodded, it was very slight, so no one else noticed. Sensing her advantage, Shen Fei continued.
”It is clear from what Lord Ju Shou has said that Cao Cao intends to invade Ji province and the rest of your Lordship’s lands. You must not be hasty in making your decision over revenge; that has caused the deaths of many great legends in the past, and will cause the demise of great legends in the future.” She rested her case for the time being, leaving the men in the room at awe of how a woman could have accomplished such a feat; for Yuan Shao was actually pondering her plans.
"Just a little more," she thought. Yuan Shao was playing into her hands