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Post by Zhao Yun on Apr 17, 2012 18:21:38 GMT -5
The Calm Before the Storm Shining like a beacon of hope, for the people of Cheng Du, Shu's main camp could be seen at night from the city. Torches were lining the walls and were also carried by soldiers on patrol. The flickering lights, from a distance, looked like magical fireflies floating around. However, these were the type of fireflies that would cut your head off and piss down your neck. Zhao Yun and his remaining army had just arrived at the main camp. The soldiers were exhausted from their confrontation with Zhang Ren as well as the long march. Hopefully, Zhang Fei did not drink all of the wine because they were thirsty. "General, the spirit of the army will be lifted now that you are here!" one of the guards exclaimed. The other bowed to Yun and moved to assist with opening the gates. A large fire could be seen in the center of camp with wild beasts being roasted upon it. Drinks were being passed around and songs were being sung. Unfortunately, neither Yun or his men felt like partaking at the moment. They had just had a heated engagement with Liu Zhang's most elite general and many were still in shock. Not only did they actually survive, which many of their comrades could not say because they were dead, but they witnessed an epic duel between two mighty warriors; Zhao Yun and Zhang Ren. It ended in a draw, but the battle afterwards was vicious and bloody. Ren pulled back when Shu reinforcements arrived and Yun moved to aid at Cheng Du while other officers chased his new nemesis. "Men, this is your time now. Enjoy it before you face death's gaze once more," Yun said, ordering the men to relax for the night. He knew that most, if not all, of them would be dead after all was said and done. At least the Shu soldiers had a higher rate of survival than other forces such as Lu Bu's. His soldiers were just meatshields and arrow catchers to him. Zhao Yun moved toward the officers section of tents. They were located near the largest tent, the command center. It sounded bad ass and it was where all of the planning took place. Yun's tent was adorned with dragons and weaponry. He specifically ordered it like that and deep down the other officers were jealous. A guard was stationed outside as well and when Yun looked around at the other tents, they did not have one. "Hmph. It seems my deeds in the north have not gone unnoticed by my lord," Yun thought. He was looking at the sleeping guard, when suddenly, the man woke up and wiped some drool from his mouth. "Oh, ha ha, I was on my way to guard Master Zhuge Liang's tent. I must have had the wrong one. Too much wine, I guess." The guard walked away and Zhao Yun lowered his head. He then entered the tent and placed his Dragon Spear onto a rack. He was going to put the Sword of Light there as well, but he thought of how well it went with his armor. After lingering for a few more minutes, he headed toward the command tent. Torches flanked the entrance as did guards. They bowed to Zhao Yun as he approached and then opened the tent flaps for him to enter. Inside, a large table could be seen and upon it was a map of the region. Another map of the city and its surroundings was hanging on a board. Many small figurines, some cavalry and others infantry, were sitting upon the map indicating troop locations. Zhao Yun began to look over the maps and locations for troop deployment. He also wondered where Zhang Fei and the others would be stationed. It would be an anxious wait, but soon the final plans would be drawn up for the coming conflict. The final battle, in the final chapter, of Liu Zhang's story.
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Post by Fa Zheng on Apr 18, 2012 13:27:02 GMT -5
Liu Zhang had arrived not far behind Zhao Yun, having coming after the confrontation with Zhang Ren as well. However, unlike Zhao Yun, Zheng had not attempted to skewer the man at point blank range.
No, had Zheng got his way, he would've charged in with a net and roped the bastard up. Would've had him trussed like a pig on the spit right here in front of them. Instead, Yun had charged in while Zheng wasn't ready and nearly gotten his fool head cut right the fuck off.
Fools!
He went to his own tent, his men having had it prepared here since he sent ahead the forward party. They quickly left once he arrived. He fell into a giant pillow, his light armor clattering gently against him. He pulled at the cords and threw it off with a huff.
"I fucking hate war!"
He downed part of a wine flask before standing and changing his clothes, redoing his hair which had come lose during the fight. He washed away the blood and mud and dirt as best he could and perfumed himself lightly; no one liked someone who smelled of shit.
Encasing his waist once again with that empty scabbard, he sauntered out and down the row towards the command tent. He walked in to find Zhao Yun, of course.
Of course.
"Ahh. Master Zilong. How nice it is to see you... again."
the bitterness at his haste was kept in check by sheer exhaustion. Zheng would've fumed had Bei been present at that moment, but Yun dodged his wrath on a technicality, the lucky son-of-a-gun.
Zheng took a spot to the left of the top of the table, looking over the map as well. He picked up a figurine and massaged it gently while looking over the city.
"Liu Zhang is stubborn. He will not give this place up easily, as we have seen. No amount of sieging will get this nut to crack." He squeezed hard and the infantry figurine snapped.
"We must crush Liu Zhang himself."
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Post by Liu Bei on Apr 20, 2012 19:24:51 GMT -5
"I agree."
Liu Bei said, commenting on Fa Zhen's last comment on Liu Zhang, entering the command tent slowly with another entourage of nameless ministers and bodyguards. It had seemed he had made it back to camp unscathed. He acknowledge Fa Zheng's existence with a subtle nod, which lacked any warmth whatsoever. He then brightened as he turned to Zhao Yun.
"Ah, Zilong you've made it back, and still in one piece! I never had a doubt!"
It seemed Liu Bei had completely forgotten his comment to Zilong, 'don't bother coming back unless you have Zhang Ren' or something along those lines. He had, he was just elated that Zhao Yun had survived the encounter and had come back. Fa Zheng still had a purpose to fulfill, so he was safe. Liu Bei had convened with Kongming earlier that day, and they had reached a consensus on how to further tighten the siege.
"You can both fill me in on how the engagement went later."
Liu Bei meant 'never'. They'll have another chance to fight Zhang Ren again, and maybe that time Fa Zheng will finally be able to end the war.
Meanwhile, they'll have to try to break Liu Zhang again. Zhang Ren's resolute guerrilla tactics bested their most recent effort--it was time for a change of pace.
"I've convinced Kongming to tighten the siege." Liu Bei picked up a stick meant to push figurines on the map, and used it to shift a battalion to the southern gate of Cheng Du. "We've moved these troops here under the joint command of Wei Yan and Liu Feng to close the gap originally left here."
Liu Bei left the stick on the table and paced around, surveying the new plan.
"Now there will be zero supplies moving into Cheng Du. The city will starve, and there will be casualties. It's not the people I care about though-" Several people in the tent raised their eyebrows, "its Liu Zhang's resolve we need to break."
He placed his hands on the table and said very deliberately, "We'll call for a meeting with Liu Zhang once more. We'll ask him to surrender. Fa Zheng, you and Zilong will accompany me. I'll talk to him once more...
It'll be his last chance."
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Post by Zhao Yun on Apr 23, 2012 16:50:46 GMT -5
Zhao Yun looked up, from studying the maps, when Fa Zheng entered the tent. He nodded in response to Zheng's greeting which, as usual, had an underlying sarcastic tone. Such men of intellect often had a sharp tongue to accompany their, just as sharp, wit. It mattered little to Yun as he cared not for new friends. Fa Zheng was a solid strategist and that was good enough for him. How Liu Bei felt about the man was another story.
It was as if Zhao Yun's thoughts had summoned his lord to the command tent for, only a moment later, Liu Bei appeared. He had voiced his agreement with Fa Zheng's comments, but other than that he seemed to offer the strategist a cold shoulder. Yun, on the other hand, was greeted warmly. The two did, of course, have much more history together.
"My lord," Yun said, bowing low to his leader and friend.
He listened as Liu Bei laid out the current plan. Liu Feng and Wei Yan had been dispatched, by Zhuge Liang, to cut off Liu Zhang's supply routes. The city of Cheng Du was totally surrounded.
Then, the Shu leader said that he would make one last attempt at diplomacy. Zhao Yun greatly respected his choice as the people of the region had suffered immensely already.
"A wise decision, my lord. If we could take the city with no further loss of life, I am sure the people would appreciate it as well as our soldiers."
He then bowed when Liu Bei told him to accompany the diplomatic mission. Deep down, even he, a seasoned veteran, hoped for the simple exchange of words as opposed to blades.
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Post by Fa Zheng on Apr 23, 2012 18:19:53 GMT -5
Zheng's face would have lost pallor at the treatment from Liu Bei, had Zheng gave any shits about what Liu Bei thought of him. Unfortunately for the ruler, his harsh words fell on deaf ears, and Zheng merely ignored the foolish man's foolish statements.
However, he had a point, one that emphasized Zheng's nature completely. If he were to meet with Liu Zhang one last time, he'd finally be able to pay him back. Revenge was a dish best served at the hand of your target's worst enemy. In this case, Zheng registered low on Zhang's enemy list. Liu Bei, however, was everything that Zhang wasn't.
Bei was upheld as a totem of virtue. He believed in filial piety, and loved the peasantry, though how great that really was was yet to be determined.
As Bei spoke, the fury within Zheng began to abate. He thought of the different ways he could possibly kill Liu Zhang during their meeting. The trickery and subtlety required would be legendary! He might even get his name wrote down somewhere over this.
"Then we kill Liu Zhang at the meeting."
It was not a question for his lord. Zheng was not allowing this meeting to end without Liu Zhang's death all but guaranteed.
"If the man was interested in surrendering, he would not have sent out that bastard Zhang Ren. We would not having taken such a beating and we would not be sieging Cheng Du. The game stands thusly; we have to remove him.
We should pull back and let supplies flow into the city again, but only the day of our meeting. When we arrive, the people will see us coming basically at the same time as the supplies. The people are simple and they already love you, my lord." He nearly choked out that last part. It physically hurt him.
"The association won't be lost on them. They will see you as a savior, even if it was your responsibility for cutting off the supplies in the first place. Then, we meet with Zhang.
There, we kill him. Preferably something wicked and maniacal. If I could figure out a way to get a blade to fall from the ceiling..." Zheng began to mumble off to himself as he thought of the multitude of ways to get back at Liu Zhang. It was truly a hobby of his.
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Post by Liu Bei on Apr 25, 2012 18:58:02 GMT -5
"Then we kill Liu Zhang at the meeting."
Liu Bei did not expect this piece from Fa Zheng. Zilong had been content with what he had said, but Fa Zheng then proceeded to elaborate on the plan. He was sinister, Liu Bei saw the menace in his eyes as he laid out the next steps in the plot.
"...there, we kill him. Preferably something wicked and maniacal. If I could figure out a way to get a blade to fall from the ceiling..."
Fa Zheng may have been a bit far-fetched, but Liu Bei found himself liking his enthusiasm.
"The rest of you," Liu Bei started, "Leave us." The entourage in the command tent left. While they filed out Liu Bei inspected Zilong, how would Honorable react to such a plot? He knew Zilong inside and out, and Zilong would follow Liu Bei to hell and back.
Liu Bei had tried to assassinate people before... those attempts had failed. Would Liu Zhang, his kinsmen, be the first one to fall to such underhanded methods?
With Fa Zheng, probably, the man was in his element.
He turned his gaze towards the grumbling strategist, and gestured for his attention. Liu Bei pointed towards the map and landed his finger on a particular spot, "This is a farmhouse located between the siege lines and the walls of the city--neutral ground. You are to go there tonight and set up whatever means of booby traps you are in need of Fa Zheng, take whatever you must from the camp but don't dare ride by torchlight."
Liu Bei folded his arms and looked at Zhao Yun, "Zilong, if Zhang Ren is present at the meeting you are to dispatch of him when the plan goes down--if you cannot kill him with your bare hands or whatever you can hide on your body, then distract him until Fa Zheng has killed Liu Zhang."
Liu Bei paused as if pondering, and wondered what Zilong had to say.
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Post by Zhao Yun on Apr 26, 2012 17:12:47 GMT -5
Zhao Yun listened as his lord and Fa Zheng laid out new plans that contradicted the previous one. Zheng had been offering his thoughts on the situation, but his strategy seemed more like a personal vendetta. In fact, it could be clearly discerned by his previous comments that the death of Liu Zhang was his main goal. Yun had just agreed that diplomacy was the best option, after Liu Bei had suggested it, and now it turned into an assassination attempt.
"He is clever, but can one truly trust such a snake," he thought, despising Fa Zheng secretly for manipulating his virtuous friend.
However, was Liu Bei really the man Zhao Yun thought he knew? After all, Liu Zhang was already fooled into thinking Shu was there initially to help him. In reality, plans were drawn up long ago with designs on his lands.
Granted, in the cold and calculated world of war, usually the best strategical decisions were the worst moral choices. It made sense, what Zheng proposed, but such a move could backfire. Liu Zhang's army could crumble, due to his quick death, which would spare countless soldiers on both sides. However, the enemy could also fight with increased fervor and both sides would suffer greatly.
Zhao Yun moved toward his lord and turned his back to Fa Zheng. It was not out of disrespect, but simply to offer some limited privacy. In a hushed tone, Yun tried to sway Liu Bei away from such dastardly acts.
"Xuande, is this truly what you desire? This man clearly wants Liu Zhang dead to satiate his own vengeance. Think of your family and of the people."
The Shu general looked into Liu Bei's eyes and he thought, for a moment, that he saw something disturbing. The once warm eyes that people were mesmerized by were now cold and distant. War seemed to do such things to men.
Zhao Yun shook his head slightly, but not enough to show disobedience. He would follow Liu Bei to hell and back, even if it meant going against his own morals. He moved back to his previous position and spoke out.
"My lord, if Liu Zhang does not accept surrender, I beg you change your mind about killing him in such an underhanded manner. And of course, I will do as you command," he added, taking on the challenge again to defeat Zhang Ren.
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Post by Fa Zheng on Apr 26, 2012 19:11:54 GMT -5
Fa Zheng nearly grinned when Liu Bei ordered everyone out of the room. He knew what that meant the lord needed a private word with his two advisers. That meant sensitive information.
That meant he was entertaining the idea.
As Bei pored over the map, finally stabbing at a farmhouse, Zheng nearly did a cartwheel. The man was already plotting! He had not expected to be able to turn Liu Bei so quickly. The man was more maniacal than he had let on, that was the only explanation His eyes had been more dull lately, eyes that no longer saw the wonders of the world. Zheng had been happy about that.
The world was not a wonderful place. It was a cesspit that could only be cleaned with a practiced and firm hand.
However, almost immediately Zheng's mood soured. Zhao Yun blocked Bei from his view, speaking in hushed tones. He did not press his luck by trying to eavesdrop, instead affixing a cold, piercing stare at the back of Zhao Yun's head. As the man moved back, Zheng's eyes never once left his face, concentrating directly into his eyes.
This was a move that Zheng had much practice with. He had done it many times with Liu Zhang. That man had been just as insufferable as Zhao Yun seemed to want to make himself at this point. Interesting. He had accounted the man as relatively good, meaning Zheng should have had no problem schmoozing with him.
Oh well. Sometimes, people just weren't friends.
Then he spoke. Oh well here we go. Zheng's eyes rolled, but then returned directly to Yun until he was done speaking. Zheng sighed then stood, and looked at where Be's finger was; no-man's land around Cheng Du. It made sense.
But what to cook up?
"Of course, my Lord, and may I say that killing Liu Zhang is the most honorable route we could go about this. Otherwise, we risk harming the people, and that is why we remove Liu Zhang in the first place.
"Sometimes we must do the things that pain us most to save those who would be hurt even more. The lesser of two evils, if that is how you must think of it, but I don't consider killing Liu Zhang an evil. No, it is the greatest justice that could ever be wrought."
He meant that. Liu Zhang embodied all that he hated in the world, and seeing his downfall would go a long way towards reacquiring a life worth leading.
"Zilong, if you have qualms with killing the man, I can let you know now that you will indeed need to fight Zhang Ren. There is no way I can easily see to capture both of them that wouldn't leave them easily able to free themselves before we could intervene in their death."
Zheng looked towards Liu Bei, who may or may not have heard what he said about capturing them.
"I was thinking a big net."
He smiled, a cheshire cat grin that split his face small face nearly in half. His eyes gleamed with menace, but it could easily be mistaken for general fervor.
"A man of Liu Zhang's station should be executed, not simply murdered. That would make you look underhanded. We simply capture him, say he surrendered after Zilong here defeated his champion in combat in the field.
It will be his very weak word against yours, Lord Liu Bei."
He bowed his head to emphasize how important Bei's word was.
"Did I mention the net?"
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Sun Ren
Member of Shu
Shu's Warrior Queen
"One edge to defend, one to defeat. forged to fit the hand of she who is destined to rule."
Posts: 31
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Post by Sun Ren on Apr 28, 2012 18:39:46 GMT -5
Each night as I go walking I hear the dead men talking..."
Sun Ren ~~ Lady Ren ~~ ~~ Shu Queen ~~
~~ Right before the sunrise, one thing is on my mind ~~ ~~ Need to take the stress and throw it all away ~~ ~~ Feelings to discover, knowing undercover ~~ ~~ What does it really mean to me ~~
The Day had arrived at-last, the preparations where completed; the men had been rallied and the Commanders of the battle where hard at work posting and deploying the Shu forces. Her Husband Lord Liu Bei, had at long last returned to the Shu's Armies main camp, along with his men and the officers that followed him.
Lady Ren. The Queen of Shu, was also present at the main camp but she had just finished talking to her step brother Zhang Fei, his tent was more like a cheep wine cellar then a command tent. Ren had grown accustom to the smell due to he was the only Shu officer, beside her Husband who really accepted her.
~~ You are the flower I'm the rain ~~ ~~ Without you life is not the same ~~ ~~ I'm everything you'll ever need ~~ ~~ Though rarely spoken, we still proceed ~~
Ren started to walk towards the command tent, the wind lightly glancing her hair like water dripping across ice. The camp was alive with motion as the Queen passed many of the solders would bow or just nod in respect of whom she was. She was wondering if her Husband would mind his Wife showing up, after all she was going to be taking part in the battle along aside him
Ren could see the command tent in front of her; she had already changed into her battle armor, it would be odd if she had walked into the tent in her robes. The guards outside seeing Ren approaching stood to attention and spoke saying. “Mi Lady. The meeting had has already started, Lord Liu Bei is within along with some of his most trusted officers.
~~Can see the sunlight, looking into your eyes ~~ ~~You're riding right next to me, and we both become one~~ ~~Heading towards the sun, following the line~~ ~~Following the redline to the sun~~
Ren lightly walked into the tent, taking a moment to look around at the people and items within the tent. Before she would look to her Husband and fellow officers and addressed them saying. “Do Excuse my lateness Mi Lord, as i was talking to your dear brother Fei Fei. And you know what he gets like before battle” That was nickname she had started calling him, he seemed to like it.
Tags: Liu Bei ,Zhao Yun, Fa Zheng Words: 300+ Lyrics : Redline @ James Shimoji feat. Rob Laufer Outfit: Battle attire Quote:Captain" Robert Brown Notes: Sorry it took so long to post. Hope is OK me jumping in.
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Post by Liu Bei on May 3, 2012 0:13:43 GMT -5
Liu Bei grew incresingly indecisive with his emotions as Zhao Yun begun his plea. It suddenly became clear to Liu Bei what Zhao Yun was asking: "Don't become like Cao Cao." He was not asking, he was begging.
Zilong stood right in front of him and looked deep into his eyes. Yet he was blank, he did not know what to think. Could he actually abandon his ideals so easily to secure the day? No, surely there had to be a better way. But then again, all Liu Bei could wonder at that moment was what type of man he had to become in order to defeat Cao Cao.
After all, it was by deception that hundreds of thousands of men perished at Red Cliff, could that be easily forgiven under the pretense of war?
As Zhao Yun begun to move back Liu Bei grabbed him by the arm and pulled him closer to whisper next to his face, he was stern, but he was desperate, also searching for an answer: "Zilong, you know me, you know I don't want to do this either-" he let go of Zhao Yun's arm and resumed his position at the head of the table. "But what do I have to become in order to defeat Cao Cao?"
He stared at Fa Zheng for a while, would I have to become like him? Scheming in the shadows? A dealer of death and destruction; a scourge? That was the future for Fa Zheng, Liu Bei could see it. Zhao Yun and Fa Zheng were so opposite. They were the worst counsel for Liu Bei, and in some ways--they were the best.
Then his wife walked in, parting the curtains of the entrance. Her arrival had an instant affect on Liu Bei's demeanor. He smiled. Liu Bei suddenly realized that he had almost died today, what a shame that would've been. He loved Sun Ren, she loved him. Despite her unorthodox female personal army, and her passion for the hunt, she fulfilled Liu Bei.
A more cynical observer would also point out that Sun Ren also happened to seal the Bei-Sun alliance.
Nevertheless, Liu Bei beckoned her forth. "Please Ren, don't be so formal with me. Come by my side." Perhaps her counsel would serve me better, Bei thought. He reached for her hand, he would've liked to embrace her; he would've liked to kiss her. Liu Bei saved his affection for a more private setting.
"Must we kill Liu Zhang?" Liu Bei finally said, "A net, Fa Zheng, could it be done? Could we capture him, force Zhang Ren to give up the city for his life--and then banish the duo forever to house arrest in Zi Tong? Would I be so fortunate?"
Liu Bei wished it to be so, but a lesson would be forthcoming following this dream--a lesson that mercy only goes so far.
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Post by Zhao Yun on May 3, 2012 17:48:48 GMT -5
Zhao Yun could feel an evil glare set upon him as he looked over the territorial maps of Cheng Du. He looked up to see Fa Zheng staring at him, as if what Yun had just said angered the strategist. Clearly, Zheng was fixated on his mission to kill Liu Zhang. But Zhao Yun was playing to Liu Bei's virtuous side and it was having the desired effect. He could sense the conflict within Bei as it was written all over his face.
Then, the serpent spoke again. Fa Zheng stated that it was the honorable thing to do, to kill Liu Zhang and relieve any further burden on the people. At this, Zhao Yun almost spoke out. However, he checked himself as Lady Sun entered the command tent. It was one thing to speak his mind, if the two long time friends were alone, but to seem disobedient or confrontational, in front of subordinates and Bei's wife, would be overstepping his bounds.
"Honorable?" he thought, wondering if his lord would swallow the shit he was being fed.
Fa Zheng continued to make it quite clear; his hatred for Liu Zhang. He addressed Zhao Yun who had momentarily shifted his eyes towards the two lovers, Bei and Ren. Yun thought back to what had transpired in the past, between Ren, Fei, and himself. Events that were never told to Liu Bei. At least, not from Zhao Yun's mouth.
"I have stated my position on the matter. I am sure that whatever our lord chooses will be the best choice for Shu. As for Zhang Ren, I will finish what I set out to do. He will not escape this time."
Zhao Yun was quite taken back when Fa Zheng mentioned capture to Liu Bei. The moment passed quickly though, when Liu Zhang's execution was brought up a few minutes later.
It seemed Zhang's fate was sealed, if Liu Bei listened to Fa Zheng. Zhao Yun could only hope that his lord would do as he said and banish the two to live in exile. However, that could turn out to be a thorn in their side further down the road. What Zheng offered for suggestions were indeed the most logical, in war, but they were also the most heartless.
Zhao Yun could take no more and, deep down, he was glad such decisions were left up to Liu Bei and not himself.
"My lord, I wish to retire for the night. That is, of course, unless you need me here."
Fa Zheng was most likely hoping that Bei would dismiss his loyal servant. Then, he could attempt to sway him further with his forked tongue.
Zhao Yun moved toward Sun Ren and bowed.
"My lady," he said, looking into her eyes with hopes that she could be the light to guide Liu Bei out of the darkness.
Just as Yun was preparing to leave, with his leader's blessing, a gust of wind entered the tent and blew out a few candles near Fa Zheng. When Yun looked to him, he could see two eyes shining in the dark like that of a demon.
"Zheng," he said, nodding slightly. He walked to the tent flaps, never taking his eyes off of the strategist until he left completely.
"That man, a blessing or a curse," he thought, moving towards his own tent.
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Post by Fa Zheng on May 4, 2012 15:36:45 GMT -5
Zheng's eyes moved towards Sun Ren as she entered, his hand instinctively shooting up into the sleeve of his other arm, grasping the hilt of a knife that was ready to be thrown into the poor girl's face.
You'd think these people would learn to announce themselves before coming in. One of these days, they're gonna cause an accident, and then Zheng'll be the bad guy AGAIN, and be forced to flee AGAIN, and have to start a brand new life AGAIN. He nearly shuddered at the thought.
He listened pensively as words were exchanged between everyone else, his eyes moving from amongst the three other participants as they spoke. He sighed heavily as he stood, stretching.
"My lord, I wish to retire for the night."
His eye opened quickly as Zhao Yun left, saying goodbye to everyone, except Zheng. His scowl was blatant and meant only for Yun, until a gust guttered out the two lamps nearest him, smothering his corner of the room in darkness. His eyes never left Zhao Yun, and the lamps on the other side would reflect off them. He assumed that, all put together, the scene was probably quite dastardly.
Yun said goodbye with a curt mention of his name, and a slight nod. Zheng returned it with a more gracious bowing of his head, though it was almost entirely in a mocking demeanor. He wasn't trying to alienate the man, but he had spoken against him only a few moments before.
Zheng peered over the map again as Bei waited on his answer. He could take Zhang alive, but that did not sit well with Zheng. Would Zhang tell Bei about what Zheng had done while serving there? He hoped not. Plenty of Shu soldiers had died because of Zheng's machinations, early in the war. That was part of the reason he butted heads with Bei so much; he knew that, deep down, he owed the man a great debt. One that he could never repay, not without betraying what he had done.
"It could, my lord, but you run the risk of him rising up against you in the future. On top of that, you run the risk of one of your enemies scooping him up and positioning him against you in Cheng Du down the road.
No. His death must come. Zhang Ren's is not necessary, outside of the fact that he will never let Zhang die while he lives."
He sipped at a cup of wine he seemingly produced from nowhere. A right pickle that Zhao Yun had put him in. Now he had to convince Bei all over again!
"My lord, I know that the thought of killing a member of your family may sour your stomach, but this is war. What Zhang does to his people is abhorrent, as should be evidence enough by me being here. It has never been said that I am known for my compassion for the masses.
However, what Zhang does to his people and the city of Cheng Du should not go unpunished. He only has an army big enough to stand against us because he oppresses his people. History will remember him for a tyrant, if people don't try to forget him entirely.
No, my lord, I council that he should die. Publicly, if possible."
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Sun Ren
Member of Shu
Shu's Warrior Queen
"One edge to defend, one to defeat. forged to fit the hand of she who is destined to rule."
Posts: 31
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Post by Sun Ren on May 4, 2012 19:07:25 GMT -5
Each night as I go walking underneath the lamplight I bring my baritsu and I'm ready for a fight.."
Sun Ren ~~ Lady Ren ~~ ~~ Shu Queen ~~
~~ You are the air that I breathe Without you I am incomplete ~~ You are the only one for me ~~ ~~Though rarely spoken, I know you believe ~~ ~~ What does it really mean to me ~~
Ren was the Queen of Shu, but that does not mean she would always agree to what her husband said at points in his life, she is a daughter of Fire after all just like her two brothers. Ren could tell by the way the generals tones, that someone was becoming pissed of but question is which one was it.
Ren smiled as she heard her Husband address her saying. “Please Ren, do not be so formal with me. Come by my side. Ren lightly made her way towards her husband and stood by his side, well looking towards Zhao Yun. “Must we kill Liu Zhang.” Ren was shocked after hearing her husband talk like he did.
Ren took a deep breath and spoke saying in sort of disgusted tone. “ Husband.... How can you even be thinking like this, he is blood of your blood, flesh of your flesh. That would be like if I killed my own brother, I would have to Agree with Lord Yun. His death would be pointless so killing him should be a last resort.
After all he is only a man, and everyone has their weakness you just need to find what Liu Zhang's happen to be. He opposed the will of the people under his care, so why not Exploit that fact, killing him would just make a martyr out of him. And that would make people less likely to submit to Shu.
Ren bowed back to Zhao Yun as he walked past her, out of respect for how much she admired him. She then looked to Fa Zheng and spoke looking into his eyes, like her father did to her when she was in trouble. “Killing him is worst thing you can do, granted he may come back and pester us later down the line.
if my husband exiles him, it would show people that he is not a monster who kills his own family, for personal gain, or the good of his Empire.” Ren was showing side that she would only show to her father, its one of the reasons why she was like a puzzle you never really know how she will act or what she do.
Tags: Liu Bei ,Zhao Yun, Fa Zheng Words: 300+ Lyrics : Redline @ James Shimoji feat. Rob Laufer Outfit: Battle attire Quote:Captain" Robert Brown Notes: N/A.
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Post by Liu Bei on May 7, 2012 23:53:24 GMT -5
Liu Bei nodded as Zhao Yun asked to leave, he could near bear to look him in the eyes anymore. Liu Bei's soul filled with shame, how can Zilong judge him like this?! He merely stared at the farmhouse, appropriately represented by a figurine carved like a house. It even strangely looked like the farmhouse. Liu Bei reminded himself to raise the pay of the man who carved it.
It gave him a clear vision.
"You may leave Zilong, expect orders delivered to your tent."
Liu Bei stole a look at Fa Zheng, did he enjoy my shame? He seemed to go on the attack again as Liu Bei seemed indecisive, as he was. He pressured the ambush once again, "No, my lord, I council that he should die. Publicly, if possible."
"I think I have had enough of your council for one day Fa Zheng." Liu Bei silenced him, Fa Zheng was correct, but Liu Bei's great deal of shame had shown in anger, remembering that Fa Zheng had sent him running straight into Zhang Ren's waiting cavalry. There was nothing Fa Zheng could have done to foreseen it.
Sun Ren, his loving wife, turned on him too and spoke in a disgusted tone. She left his hand and spoke her mind. Like he expected her too. But it was too much. He turned from her.
"No, Ren, I could take the shame from Zilong, but not from you." He looked towards her, she was stuck in the past, in love with another Liu Bei.
"You need to support this, it's only with Cheng Du that we can ever hope to fight Cao Cao and his tyranny! Liu Zhang won't surrender; yes he is of my blood it but his troops almost killed me today. He's still dangerous. We cannot wait or else we'll have another Fallen Phoenix Pass! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if brother Fei were to get hurt or worse... if you went hunting and Zhang Ren were to appear from the trees..." His voice went dry.
"...I can't bear to even think about it!" Liu Bei slammed his palm on the table; the figurines shifted slightly at the force. After a pause he said, "What if I'm to get ambushed again and I die this time--too close was today, far too close. We lost a lot of men. Lao Zhi was probably taken hostage... yes, they wouldn't kill an old man. But Kao Ba? He's probably dead, he died fighting for my life."
Liu Bei's eyes showed sadness, "As a bodyguard should." He moved closer to her again and he begged her with his body language for her to understand. "What if I'm to die, and you're left with this terrible burden? Kongming would be there, but you would be Queen Regent until Shan would come to age, would you be able to make these decisions?"
He shook his head, a tear escaped his eye, he spoke as if pleading: "I don't want you to compromise those ideals Ren! Not like I have been forced to." He unsheathed an iron dagger from his belt and flung it towards the map, the blade landed, splitting the farmhouse figurine in half. In its place stood the dagger.
"Fa Zheng, go, you know what to do. Speak to no one of this, and take only your most trustful engineers."
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Post by Fa Zheng on May 8, 2012 12:56:54 GMT -5
Fa Zheng did all he could to keep the delight off of his face when Liu Bei silenced him. He merely twirled his mustache, something that perhaps in the future would be misconstrued as a dastardly motion, but right now it just looked as though he were pondering.
As Bei's rant continued, aimed mostly at Sun Ren, Zheng contemplated everything he'd need. A big ass net. Some rope to set up the mechanisms. A few levers. Yes, yes this was all very nice. They'd put down a rug on top of the net, and build the net into the walls. The walls themselves would be a cage, the only exit always behind Liu Bei.
Yes.. Yes this would be great indeed.
He was pulled from his reverie with a command by Liu Bei. He was to go and set us up the bomb. Let us do it then.
"As you wish, my lord. You have shown great wisdom this day. I will return with the dawn, I suggest sending something to Liu Zhang. Set the meeting for mid-day. We don't want him going out and discovering our trap."
Zheng left. With a few hand motions his guards fell in, loyal men who had come with him from Zhang's camp. He went to the engineering corp he was in control of, and they got about their task.
It would be a long night. He sighed outwardly and reached for the flask hidden in his robes. He knew he'd have that finished before the work was done tonight, so he only hoped that one of his men was smart enough to try to hide their own flask.
It would be a looooong night.
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