Jiaodong Provincial Roleplay

[Mogs]

"Hmm....should I, or shouldn't I...."

That was the question, it seemed, that Feng had found himself pondering over and over that morning. Sure, he had a rock in his hand, and that bird hadn't seemed to move an inch, but would it be worth it? He'd 'caught' one of them before, and it wasn't even a challenge. But still.....

Shaking his head, he dropped his rock as he slung his bow over his shoulder, smoothing out his finest outfit which was not exactly befitting of the term 'fine'. Still, it was a step up over his peasant clothes, so he felt it appropriate to wear those on this day, heading towards an event he wouldn't miss for anything.

Moving through the crowd, he eyed people here and there, but tried to keep from drawing attention to himself, eventually breaching the masses to head for the little stairway before him. Not even a moment's hesitation was had as he moved up those few steps and found the seat clearly meant for him on the civil side of the dais. And just like that, he was there, sitting before the crowd that still had little idea of why they were there or staring at the officers they may or may not have known. And somehow, though he had nearly been living the life of a hermit for a time, it didn't bother him at all.

Now, what that meant, he wasn't quite sure.

[Shi Tong]

While the assembly had been growing to capacity at one end of the city, at the other end, where the administrative building and private quarters of the Marquis of Jiaodong were located, the young Shi Tong had been staring at himself in a mirror for nearly an hour, unmoving. His personal attendants, knowing that any increase in the delay could cause the entire event to be forfeit until the next day, knew they had to do something and yet, were unable to bring the matter up to their lord. Instead they watched the Marquis as he continued to gaze upon his own visage, wondering what was going through his mind. In reality, there was only a single sentence that had been repeated inside the mind of Shi Tong over and over.


~It's my time.~


Suddenly, the Marquis broke his gaze from the mirror and snapped his fingers. Immediately his attendants entered the chamber from the hallway. First, they undressed their lord from his usual garb. Bringing in a hot water container, they proceeded to wash their master until he was content in his cleanliness. Then, they proceeded to place upon him robes of regal note, the silk white undershirt underneath the gold and black trim robe. Bringing a stool, they sat their lord down while proceeding to straighten and then tie up his hair into a knot before placing upon it a golden tophat.


Standing from the stool, Shi Tong snapped his fingers once more and the attendants left the chamber, leaving the young man alone once again with his thoughts. After giving himself another look in the mirror, Shi Tong gave a short nod to himself and exited the chamber himself, making headway outside, where the official courtier train was present at the front of the administration building, all the remaining retainers not already present at the assembly had gathered to escort Shi Tong to it. Walking to the front of the train, Shi gazed upon the white horse that he would be using at this juncture. Giving a nod to one of the attendants, who immediately went into a crouched position at the side of the horse, Shi Tong mounted the steed and took hold of the reins. Giving a quick glance at one of his lieutenants to begin the procession, Shi Tong began his journey towards a new regal beginning.


As they passed through the streets, the Gaomi garrison had been redeployed to make way for the procession train, keeping the citizens not at the assembly at a distance from the traveling administrator. Beginning to realize what was happening, the citizenry lowered their eyes and bowed at their lord, some even going so far as to prostrate themselves on the ground. Shi Tong ignored this, keeping his eyes straight ahead and continuing the procession. After a period of time, the assembly could be seen, and Shi Tong raised a hand to halt his retainers. He would make these final steps alone.


Dismounting the steed, Shi Tong walked straight forward, allowing the garrison to clear a path for him towards the dais. Still keeping his eyes straight ahead, Shi Tong barely acknowledged the attendance of his officers, instead halting at the foot of the dais. After a moments pause, Shi took the first step, and then another. Each step he took haltingly, as if each step was an arduous mountain to climb. Even for Shi Tong, who would have thought that he would have been able to do so quickly what he had done. And now to perform the penultimate act in front of so many people, to be reiterated in front of the whole of the Middle Kingdom, of course each step would be arduous. Still, Shi Tong maintained his climb until finally he stood at the very top of the dais, whereupon he turned around, facing all of the citizenry now gathered. He now allowed himself to give glances at his brethren, as if thanking each of them for their hard work in this endeavor. Looking straight ahead once more, Shi Tong gazed outward and spoke.


"There comes a time, in chaos and plight, where we must come to a realization. That realization is that there is no one coming to help us in our need. In a land of warlords and rebels, of brigands and incompetents, no one has offered their assistance to me or to this administration. Even the so-called Imperial Court, which gives us no reward but expects us to make war against our neighbors for the "good of the Empire.""


"But we have shown them. We have not only survived but prospered. Men who once thought me a fool and jester now beg my forgiveness. Three provinces, seven cities, hundreds of thousands of people, now under one administration, my administration, united under the same banner. And we have done this by ourselves, and can be all the more proud for it."


"I do not come to you today as a humble man. No, in this time of warfare, we cannot afford humility out of our ruler. He must be proud of his accomplishments, proud of what he has achieved, and always hungry for more, so that this era of strife and warfare can come that much closer to an end. So I tell you now that we shall not stop. In fact, we shall redouble our efforts, to ensure that the same prosperity currently being displayed in Jiaodong, in Jibei, and in Yan, is felt throughout the rest of the Middle Kingdom!"


"And the first step in doing so is to shed ourselves of our snake's skin, and reveal ourselves for who we are. No longer under the yoke of a regime that does not support its people, but independent, standing apart from the rest. I am Shi Tong of Gaomi, formerly a Marquis in the Chu hierarchy. But I stand before you now, dressed in regal trimmings, to tell you that I will be the one to take the first step, to make the first revelation. No longer a Marquis, but a King am I! Indeed, how can one continue to support an Empire which abandons its Emperor and Prime Minister to the dogs of war? Instead, we shall march forward under our own banner, in our own name, and seek to pacify all those who would stand against us."


Pausing now, the now-declared King looked to the scroll he had left on his seat for the occasion and bent down to pick one up. Raising the scroll above his head, before unfurling it, he continued.


"We wish to let the people view and recognize those that have worked hard for their achievements, to see who has shed blood and sweat for their liege."


"First, Fang Ai! This man has been the commander of the majority of this administration's campaigns. He felled the former King turned rogue Han Guang and pacified the Yan province within a single month's campaign. And, in no small part, he has been a personal advisor to Us for the length of this administration and has worked hard to ensure Our success. For his achievements, We create him Grand Duke and shall continue to rely upon his as a great and steadfast pillar of this, Our kingdom."


"Xun Fei, Xiahou Cao, and Zei Zao! These three individuals have time and again used their talents and abilities to ensure the continued success of this administration. Xiahou Cao has also used his military prowess on the recent Yan campaign as well, while Xun Fei and Zei Zao have used their political talents to eliminate corruption and increase efficiency for us all. For all their efforts, We create them each a Marquis and will hope they shall continue their efforts without fail."


Pausing once again, the King took hold of a second scroll and performed the same action again, holding it high above his head for all to see before unfurling it and beginning to speak.


"That is this Kingdom's nobility, but the nobility are minute compared to the achievements and abilities of the rest of this administration, who shall all receive proper promotions and decorations in accordance with their new offices. We shall, however, take this opportunity to announce a few promotions here and now for the glory and benefit of those who receive Our blessings."


"Yang Yu! Along with his brother Yang Xi, Yang Yu has spared no effort in ensuring the success of our military forces abroad, seeing action in nearly every single battle that We have sent Our armies to, and ensuring the least amount of casualties for the men under his command. Also, this man, like Fang Ai, has been a personal advisor to Us since Our beginnings and will be rewarded in kind for his achievements. Thus, We proclaim Yang Yu as Our Supreme Commander, and entrust him with Our armies to continue our domination of our enemies in an effort to end the chaos that plagues these lands."


"Liang Feng, Xunnufashi, and Liao Zun. These three individuals have been a bedrock of Our civl court. All three share the same beginnings to this administration. Each of them needed to be convinced that submission and service would make both themselves and the administration better for it and for their efforts, they shall be rewarded in kind. We declare Liang Feng as Our Prime Minister, Xunnufashi as our Minister of Instruction to the people of this Kingdom, and Liao Zun as our Master of Purification. We know they shall redouble their efforts and the Kingdom shall be all the more better for it."


"There are many more promotions within this Kingdom, too many men whose achievements demand this and more, which they shall justly receive. But as We end this assembly, We wish to give one final word to Our people. Qin, Chu, they both have failed in their mission and thus have been punished by the Heavens for this misdeeds. We must now rise to the occasion and succeed in carrying out what must be the primary task for any Kingdom that rise in a wartorn age, and that is to bring stability once again to a chaotic land. We will struggle, We will fight, but We will not cease our efforts in bringing about Our vision of a land unified, without strife, where men can return once again to the farming fields holding tools instead of blades."


"We ask the support of the people in this effort, and their patience as We work to achieve this grand mission. We thank all those who have served Us and congratulate them on their well earned and deserved promotions. Long live this Kingdom! Long may We reign!"

[Phailak]

Fei Lai was beginning to lack the appropriate time needed to research his works. This war with the Wu Rebel was draining everyone in his brother's service, including himself. Yet, Dieu needed a specific strategy he heard of thought out and put into words and so Lai traveled.
The first two locations he was guided to turned out to be false paths. First in Chen Liu, he found the city utterly destroyed and was not able to gain much from the local populace. Then in the Yan province, in Shanggu where he was turned away quite rapidly. the only clue he had found led him to Jiaodong, yet it seemed a needle in a haystack without a more precise location.
In the town of Bei Ping, Lai started his inquiries. He had very little knowledge of the politics at play here, seemed the King had his people believing in peace.
He sat at an inn when an errand boy he had sent out came running in. Lai was displeased at the attention his labored breathing and exhaustion brought.

"Lord... Fei... it seems my inquiries..."

Completely out of breath, Lai had a cup of water brought for him, but it never reached the table. Perhaps the boy had asked the wrong questions since a man of obvious rank had just entered the establishment, looking for something or someone.

OOC: Closed RP

[Chou Yu]

Shwee Twong

Yang Yu's head swiveled as he saw from the corner of his eye a uniform movement from the direction of the crowds. Most were bowing at something that was not in Yu's sight yet. It did not need to be, for the General knew. Sure enough, soon a figure clad in a black and gold robe came into view, looking as regal as Yu had ever seen him. Yang Yu was not a stickler for appearance and showmanship, yet at that time he thought that Shi Tong's attire fit the day, the event, perfectly. His eyes followed his lord's figure as he climbed the dais onto the throne. Perhaps it was just the knowledge of what was going to happen, but at that time Yang Yu was very glad that he had made the decision to follow the Marquis of Gaomi. Then he spoke.

The words were a lofty one, and they were words that if Yang Yu was to hear it from most other individuals, he would dismiss out of hand or perhaps think it a jest. From his lord however, the words seemed right. It affirmed what Yang Yu had judged of the man: his ambition, his drive and his goals are the reason that Yu, an prideful man even by his own standards, decided to bow to another person. Nine months ago, he had believed that this man would be the wave on which Yang Yu could ride to fulfill his own ambitions to make his mark in history as the greatest military commander to ever grace this age of strife. Today, Shi Tong with his words had reaffirmed Yu's confidence that through him and his goals, Yang Yu would be able to reach what he desires.

And then it finally came. Shi Tong who was once a Marquis had declared himself King. Yu had known this would happen, he had been informed. But still as he spoke the words he could feel goosebumps all over his body as a grin appeared on his face and Yu sat straighter. A Kingdom...One that I had a big hand in treading the path to this day... Yu felt pride swell in his heart as he thought of his own deeds that made it possible for this day to happen.

Then, as Shi Tong began to hand out titles, he could feel his anticipation peaking. Surely he has done enough...Surely his deeds will win him honor and a great position. When his name was called, Yu looked like he was ready to jump on his seat. Truly, he almost did when he heard his new rank, Supreme Commander!! Yu sighed and sat back down, his heart racing. Supreme Commander. The highest military authority in the entire Kingdom save for the King himself. Yu was not a man easy with his smile, but on that day a wide satisfied grin could be seen on his features. Supreme Commander... The rank spoke volumes. Shi Tong's trust on him, his authority and other things. However, for Yang Yu the most important thing that the rank signified was the way it spoke of his ability. Yang Yu was acclaimed the best military commander in the whole kingdom. He felt like the star that is his ultimate ambition nearer now with that revelation. Nearer... But not quite there yet.

Yu grinned, clenching his fist with such determination that his palm turned white, Next stop... To be the best in the Middle Kingdom...

Failak!

It was a few days after the coronation. Yang Yu had not returned right away to Yan, instead staying in the city for the festivities and taking care of administrative issues regarding his new rank and authority. Yang Yu was in a good mood, and it took the city of Gaomi off guard. The Supreme Commander was known as a stern man, unforgiving and was very slow to smile. Yet that day, Yang Yu strode on the city roads with a wide grin on his face as he greeted commoners and hawkers, visiting some shops and was actually making conversation! The citizens who knew of his reputation looked petrified, wondering if this strange behavior was just a front, that any second now Yang Yu was going to unleash the trap and drag the lot of them to jail. Yu laughed at the thought, which just made the citizens even more convinced. The truth was, only Yang Xi, his brother, would've understood what was happening. The way Yu was that day was as close as his true self as it could be. It was his personality before he had become obsessed of becoming the greatest general on the land, of spreading his name to all corners of the country. Before their father had passed away.

Alas, a soldier would soon approach him with news that brought a frown on the Supreme Commander's face. The soldier claimed that there has been reports of a young boy asking around for information on...strategies of war of the past used in these area, asking for witnesses and firsthand accounts. A spy? But why ask those particular questions? Did the enemy wanted to know the best way to invade the city? Whatever it was, it wasn't something that Yang Yu could just dismiss. The soldier said that some guards had followed the kid back into the inn. So with five guards surrounding the military commander, Yang Yu hasten to the establishment.

In broad daylight... Not a very good spy, whoever this kid was. Without further ado, with protests from his guard that he should not enter first, Yang Yu walked into the inn. Almost at once, the inn quieted to a hush. The guards entered the inn behind him, their eyes alert. The soldier who had brought him the news pointed at a young boy and said that it was him. Yu nodded wordlessly. That information wasn't necessary for with the boy was a man that he recognized not by personal acquaintance but by words of mouth, "Master Fei Lai..." Yu started, motioning the guards to follow him. "I would have thought that the Lord of Wu would be your sole concern right now, so answer me this: What are you doing snooping around our Kingdom?" His tone was unforgiving, his face returned to the hard man that he is most of the times, like a mask to protect himself from being hurt, from being wronged.

[Phailak]

Lai looked up and smiled. Before answering, he made sure the boy had a sip. It became quickly apparent Lai had an entourage with him, which he quickly wave to. In an apologetic gesture, Lai spread his hands.

"I apologize if my men have blended within their surroundings, I simply follow the orders of my Lord but would not have you suspect me of treachery."

He asked all his men to rise, twelve in total with an officer as well.

Bowing, Lai rose.

"Supreme Commander, it is an honor to meet you finally face to face."

Seeing the man's humor, Lai rubbed his chin.

"Despite the growing concerns with the rebel from Wu, I have been tasked with an even more important and urgent task by Lord Ma. I am to use my moderate skills as a scribe to produce an impossible book on strategy, one that my oath brother believes can perform miracles on the field."

Sharing a look with the high ranking official, Lai smirked.

"Sometimes, men are deemed to have greater talent than is even humanly possible and therefore suffer heavy expectations. Duty can be in fact a burden so strenuous as to sap the life from someone..."

A small sigh escaped the former scholar's lips, though his smile masked well his despair.

[Infernal Dragon]

Xunnufashi watched and listened to the self-proclaimed king. Though most of it was nothing really relevant to her, the sound of her name being mentioned caused her to pay a bit more attention than the rest.

Minister of Instruction? He wants me to educate the people of the land? It sounds like an interesting challenge...

She would then observe those around her. Most seemed genuinely shocked, others eager. Once the ceremony was completed, she would leave and return to her quarters.

[Chou Yu]

Failak!

Yang Yu did not relax completely at hearing the man's explanation, but his stance did soften and his expression easier. It wasn't that Yang Yu trusted the man who was for all of his fame, a stranger to the Supreme Commander. His brow wrinkled in question, Yu side, "You are a Prefect of a Warlord foreign to our land, and if reports are to be believed, his personal adviser. How did you not expect me to get suspicious when I see you speaking with a boy who are if my soldiers are to be believed, and they are, asking questions of war and strategies?" Yu pointed out to the man.

"Nevertheless...There is no bad blood between our King and your Lord, and I see no reason to distrust your words." Then narrowing his eyes he said unabashedly to the Prefect, "Of course, I hope you will not be surprised when you see some of my men occasionally in the corner of your eyes. I'm not about to let a foreign officer skulk around our lands without keeping an eye on you." The truth was, Yu did not believe that the Prefect was going to do anything to subvert their Kingdom. They have Wu to worry about.

Grabbing a chair near him, Yu truly relaxed and said, "Now... I wish you had informed us of your arrival. We could have arranged a feast for you. We could have even helped you in your... impossible task. I would have been interested to help you myself. Books interest me..." Yang Yu had learned all he had about military self-taught, reading from different books of strategies and command. The Supreme Commander put a great stock in written words. "Just out of curiousity... How is this scribing been going along?" Then with a grin he added, "You want to see great strategies? Pay attention to my future military conquest, you'd find plenty material for your book there I imagine!" Yang Yu laughed, overly confident about his ability as usual.

[Phailak]

Lai laughed as well, having had similar confidence in his youth, but it seemed fleeting these days.

"I meant no offense by not sending word of my arrival, but as you suggested, I feared perhaps I would be delayed by ceremony and etiquette. No, time is of the essence, but I grow desperate..."

Shrugging, Lai continued.

"Your campaign into Yan is of exemplary work. I have rarely heard of an account of such discipline and efficiency. I also admire how well you use your resources, how you are able to keep your men safe while expanding your Lord's domain of influence. It is obvious I could learn much from you... perhaps, if you had time, you could review my notes?"

Lai produced many documents, all seemingly incomplete on the table with a gleam of hope in his eye.

[Chou Yu]

Yang Yu was taken aback. The usual response to his bragging was a roll of the eyes or perhaps a frown! However...This man had taken it and had praised him in turn. Uncertain, he replied, "We- well of course it was exemplary work! Nothing but the best from me!" Yang Yu said, strangely defensive as if the man's acknowledgment of his lofty words was more of a challenge than any response that he had gotten before.

He looked at the notes that stood in front of him and could not hide an being impressed by what he saw. If nothing else, the man was an excellent scribe. Though incomplete, Yu could already see the merit that was held in the words written in the notes. Looking up at the Prefect he said grudgingly, "Your work... It's not bad... Not at all." Yang Yu said, then he waved his hand as if dismissing something and said, "Pshaw! My previous battles were not challenging at all. I barely had to exert my learning to soundly beat my enemies. The future however... I know treading forward I'll find much worthier foes. That is when my true skill will shine, that is when I will have to employ all of my wit, cunning, and learning and of course, come out on top." Yang Yu grinned.

Searching Fei Lai's expression he commented, "You on the other hand... Just recently you fought a challenging battle, one against Li Jiacheng's forces. Your victory was quite spectacular I heard... Your command exceptional as you send your tirade on to the enemy ranks..." If there was one thing that Yu respected it was ability... And if what he heard was correct, the man in front of him had plenty of it.

[Mogs]

Feng was always one to try to pay attention during matters of supreme importance, as this seemed to be. Try, being the key word. A stray flock of birds managed to catch his eye at the start of it, his gaze trailing them as they flew across the skies. However, once the words of his liege pronouncing him King broke the air, his attention was caught.

Simply staring forward to keep an air about him, to prevent himself from showing the shock of the announcement, he listened. For once in his life, he didn't look around, he didn't contemplate anything time and time again in his head, he didn't search for an animal he'd never seen. He just....listened.

"We declare Liang Feng as Our Prime Minister..." The words were even more of a shock than the public announcement of his liege, now his King. Prime Minister? Truly, it seemed that his King had a little more faith in his talents than Feng himself did. But, while daunting, the title was appreciated, and already, he was thinking about his new job. He would be sure to not disappoint anyone, that was for sure.

The speech finished and though there was a clear shock among the crowd, it dissipated quickly to a loud cacophony of cheers and encouragement to their Marquis turned King. He had not led the cheers, but his voice was among the countless others, eager to show their appreciation and to see what tomorrow had to bring.