Chu Provincial Roleplay

[Phailak]

@ Zhao Ren

Lai nodded at Tian Rong's wise words.

"Lord Tian, what you say has much merit, though I do not know if we will be able to hold Yue long enough, unless you are able to convince Wu or their allies in Qi of your intentions, perhaps you can spare an invasion of Yue until you can take your place there? Of course, should either of your requests be denied, there are other ways to ensure your true lands in Qi are returned to you. I mean no disrespect, I simply state what is obvious to me without knowledge of loyalties and consequences."

Lai bowed once more, allowing those above his station to speak.

@dskod1

Lai shrugged off the suggestion that the man might not have a position should he wish it.

"Ma Dieu is no fool, he knows he will need many men of talent to support him. If you so wish it, your position can be secured. My brother does not wish for the total destruction of Chu and trust in most of its administration. He is even hoping to have the Prime Minister returned to his true duties. The true threat to Chu has been removed, it is now time to set things right."

Lai rubbed his chin in thought, sharing a look with the giant man at his side

"Despite my urgings and that of my friend here, my brother is reluctant to take on the title of King of Chu. He is a Warlord, he can play the role of protector or punisher or even savior, but that of King... perhaps more light can be shed at this council he will try to organize to find a new Emperor. He has very little knowledge of the political situation as it stands since the tragic loss of the Son of Heaven, so he will call upon the most influential of men in the land to guide him into doing what is right."

Lai had nothing to add about the suggestions for the people, they matched his own thoughts on the matter.

"The Duke should be here soon to meet with you, is there anything you would like to know about him or his campaigns so far?"

[dskod1]

Xue took another sip of his tea as he listened closely Than he carefully places his tea down

"You can never rid the greatest threat to anything for once you do there is always something else there."

Xue thought to himself for a moment

"I am glad that Ma Deiu would be so courteous in allowing the administration to continue but it will be up to him to decide if I will be worthy of the new administration. A new emperor would be very intresting however I think that great care must be taken, this could be seen as a politically motivated move to control the Imperial court even with a council being held, but perhaps I should discuss that with Ma Dieu."

He smiled as he picked up his tea again once more enjoying the aroma which it emanated

"For now let us sit and enjoy the tea, much is to be discussed with Ma Dieu"

He takes a sip of his tea, closing his eyes in order to truly taste the beauty of it

[ann]

The news arrive to Ma Dieu's ears and he made the party come to meet him inside his tent (note that all weapons are remove and a search is made before entering). ''It is wise for Xiang Yu to send such a beautiful women to parlement a release of prisonner. Tell your master to come with Guang Body and equipment here and I will realease Xiang Zhuang. I will realease Duke Hin Wu right away to show him that I can be trusted. I have no mercy on the battlfield, but will never hurt a man in a diplomatic mission. Also tell him that the capital his secured by my army and no one is getting in our out: if he wish to have his relative getting out of the city safely he must bring my Champion and his equipment back before the sunset (considering it's the morning)..''

((I am not sure who the beautiful woman is but I THINK this is meant for my party which is, essentially, a few servants - all male.))

The servant listened and scratched his head. He was unsure how to reply but he nodded and said, "I am just an old man and a servant. I will tell the Hegemon you require him as well as the body of your champion and his equipment in order to secure the release of his cousin. I cannot say how he will reply." The hold man sounded doubtful. It seemed foolish to him and he was sure the King was smarter than he was. He bowed again and backed out of the tent.

Assuming they were not stopped they returned to the location he began the journey back to the place he'd last seen his mistress and the King. On the way he grew tired and stopped at a small village with a rather dilapidated Inn. Going inside he pulled out the small coins his mistress had given him and asked for some food for the party.

The youngest member of the party, Bu, looked around the Inn carefully and, after a moment, said, "I don't think the King will be happy."

Around the table there was a pause as each of the four men considered the situation. Young Bu was young but sometimes seemed smarter than the rest. The head servant said, "Well, and that's not our business is it!" Though his voice was not quite as stout as it might have been.

Another man, after a moment of reflection said, "Well ... and maybe it will work... that man said the King would be given safe passage to get his cousin. And ... the king is ...not a coward." His voice - at first very tentative - seemed to grow in strength as he spoke.

Bu, laughed shortly, before saying, "He's not a fool either is he? That man owed all he had to the King and betrayed him. He has destroyed Chu. His safe passage means nothing and we all know it! So will the king. Besides, I saw the Duke being held there. He's not released at all! "

The fourth man, keeping his silence, quietly consumed the remains of their meal. None of this mattered to him.

[Mardagg]

Graven, Agon and Jin Shi

[...] "I thank the Marquis for his mercy, and will carefully consider his words. I would ask that he show clemency to the many men of Chu that he has captured, they are hungry and sick..." [...] "but you are their Lord now, and I hope that you will treat them well. If I am absent from this meeting, do not hold it against the good people of Liang... I do not expect to live through the week, once I leave here." [...]"By way of escort, I would ask that my man Cao Can be released with me. I will need his strength to make the journey."

‘’You will be please to hear that I hold no grudge against you or against the citizen of Liang, you did your duty protecting your King. Also all the men from Chu that wishes to integrate my rank are eating as we speak. I gave everyone the same opportunity and many decide to accept my offer. Cao Can gave me his loyalty and wish to help me rebuilt Chu and try to find a legitimate heir to the throne. Chen Gu is one of my trusted General he came with Fei Lei and Xian Long Rui from Yue. He is a good healer/doctor a fine swordsman and a good companion I am certain you will be in good hand with him’’.

"My health?" [...] "No, lady, I am not sick to the point of death, though I understand I must look it. This-" [...]"this is nothing that a fortnight of real rest and good food and drink will not remedy. Certainly a hardship I have earned." [...] "When I leave here, I will go not to Suiyang. I will go to my King, and beg of him that he take the name that he has honored me with, that my failure will not stain it. Then, I imagine, I shall meet the same fate as Guan Huang." [...] "I died on the field-" He gestures slightly with his head in the direction of the aftermath of the battle "when I failed my King. It is only a cruel twist of fate that I still draw breath. I will not fail to honor my duty by refusing my fate. My life, or my death, will be at his hand."

I do understand where you stand I would have ended my life if I would have fail my invasion of Chu and bring Chaos for nothing... but you must know that you didn't fail your King it is in fact Xiang Yu that fail us all! He fail to protect the Emperor, he fail to help us militarily when we were in need and send troops to their death in battle he could not win against the rebel Zhefu... Xiang Yu's mistake have brought him to his end and no more lives should be taken in his name, especially not someone of your stature, someone that can bring so much to the people of Liang ! I would ask you to reconsider giving you life into Xiang Yu’s hands: my men will be at your service when you are ready to leave no matter where you lead them.

dskod1, LDW and Phailak

Xue took another sip of his tea as he listened closely Than he carefully places his tea down

"You can never rid the greatest threat to anything for once you do there is always something else there."

Xue thought to himself for a moment

"I am glad that Ma Dieu would be so courteous in allowing the administration to continue but it will be up to him to decide if I will be worthy of the new administration. A new emperor would be very intresting however I think that great care must be taken, this could be seen as a politically motivated move to control the Imperial court even with a council being held, but perhaps I should discuss that with Ma Dieu."

He smiled as he picked up his tea again once more enjoying the aroma which it emanated

"For now let us sit and enjoy the tea, much is to be discussed with Ma Dieu"

He takes a sip of his tea, closing his eyes in order to truly taste the beauty of it

Ma Dieu finally arrives to meet Xue Shi we was pleased to see Xian Long Rui and Fei Lei, he went to Xian Long Rui to shake his hand:’’ I am glad that you are back in Chu safely, we had a lot of casualties, but we prevail against the King and Yue is safe for now. You fulfilled your mission in protecting Yue with my brother Fei Lei: I couldn’t send him there alone without you as is Champion, there is no one else I trusted enough to protect my brother against any harm.’’ He then turns his gaze on his brother: ‘’ Fei Lei!! I am glad to see you safe too: I wish you were there next to me to conquer Chu, but the protection of Yue was more vital than anything else!’’

‘’Xue Shi I will assumed, I heard that you just came in the administration of Chu: why did you wish to serve the King in the first place’’, he said on a neutral tone, ‘’I must admit that I will need officers that are qualify for all sorts of duty, there is so much to do to bring Chu in a golden age once again! Do you have specific qualifications that could help us either in warfare or in civil affairs maybe: I wish to promote you right away to a proper position if you are interested to join us and help us rebuilt!’’

LDW, Zhao Ren, Phailak and Xiahou Ping

[...] "It would be my honor, Duke Ma. Or should I say, King of Chu? Surely you have proven yourself worthy of the title with this campaign."

‘’I need to secure Chu and gain the trust of the people before I could claim such a title. My men also think that I deserve it, but I will hold a council 1st and see how it goes from there.’’

"Yet, if I am to become King of Yue, I shall be in need of good men to serve me. Tell me, Duke Ma, will you give me leave to return to Qi, that I may speak with the man, Zhefu, and see if he will not reconsider his forgotten promise to me. If he is obstinate, I shall see about bringing my clansmen to Yue, that I may have some men of talent to aid me."

Fei Lei words about Qi where true, we need him to send a message to Wu and tell them that the land is yours, of course this is IF Zhefu refuse to give your land as promise. I have reports from my scout that tells me that we lost Xuyi to Lord Li Jiancheng and that Zhefu send around 20000 men under the Jiaoxi Defenders banner to attack: Supreme commander Zu Shi was leading them. He came to me for help and he attacks me in the back for the second time now, I understand that you trust him more than I do, but please be careful if you decide to go to him.

"Know this, however, Duke Ma. I shall not lift my blade against you. You have done much to aid me, and it would be dishonorable for me to forget that."

He bows with respect: ‘’ I will never forget what you did for us and I am glad you decide to put your trust into my hand we accomplish the impossible today!! ''

[ann]

The servants of Xiang Yu made their way back to where they'd last seen the Hegemon and their mistress. However the camp was no longer there. The four men looked around a bit but none of them were especially knowledgeable about tracking and none could tell where the Masters had gone. Sighing they sat on the ground to rest.

After a while Xiang Bo appeared in the clearing and ordered them to get up and follow him. They were led to a new campsite, a half a day away, and there they made their report. The elder servant spoke for all and Bu managed to contain himself even though he was anxious about all of it. The Hegemon was quite intimidating.

"My king, we went and made the proposal to Ma Dieu. He replied that he would release the Duke immediately and that he would agree to release Xiang Zhuang in exchange for the body and equipment of their dead champion." Here the man paused. He was meant to say that Xiang Yu should bring the body - and about the safe passage - but he could not bring himself to say such a thing to the Hegemon. He glanced, surreptitiously, at the fire. There was no cauldron there but, of course, the Hegemon was quite creative.

The others held their breath. Perhaps this would work out they all thought. If the exchange did not work it would be due to Ma Dieu's treachery and not their mistake - or cowardice.

Xiang Yu, after a moment, nodded sharply. He turned to Xiang Bo and said, "You are sure they were not followed?"

"They were not. I watched carefully. They would have been easily followed as well."

Xiang Yu nodded again and said, "This might indicate that he really wishes to make the exchange. Or merely that he realized following would be a waste of time." He paced slightly and then said, "Was there any sign of the Duke?"

Xiang Bo shook his head. He turned to the servants and said, "Did you see the Duke?"

The elder servant nodded and said, "He was still there. But he might have been released after."

Xiang Yu listened carefully and then said, "We must set watches and wait. If he was to be released then he will appear. Then we shall make the exchange."

[gravenimages]

[...] "I thank the Marquis for his mercy, and will carefully consider his words. I would ask that he show clemency to the many men of Chu that he has captured, they are hungry and sick..." [...] "but you are their Lord now, and I hope that you will treat them well. If I am absent from this meeting, do not hold it against the good people of Liang... I do not expect to live through the week, once I leave here." [...]"By way of escort, I would ask that my man Cao Can be released with me. I will need his strength to make the journey."

‘’You will be please to hear that I hold no grudge against you or against the citizen of Liang, you did your duty protecting your King. Also all the men from Chu that wishes to integrate my rank are eating as we speak. I gave everyone the same opportunity and many decide to accept my offer. Cao Can gave me his loyalty and wish to help me rebuilt Chu and try to find a legitimate heir to the throne. Chen Gu is one of my trusted General he came with Fei Lei and Xian Long Rui from Yue. He is a good healer/doctor a fine swordsman and a good companion I am certain you will be in good hand with him’’.

"My health?" [...] "No, lady, I am not sick to the point of death, though I understand I must look it. This-" [...]"this is nothing that a fortnight of real rest and good food and drink will not remedy. Certainly a hardship I have earned." [...] "When I leave here, I will go not to Suiyang. I will go to my King, and beg of him that he take the name that he has honored me with, that my failure will not stain it. Then, I imagine, I shall meet the same fate as Guan Huang." [...] "I died on the field-" He gestures slightly with his head in the direction of the aftermath of the battle "when I failed my King. It is only a cruel twist of fate that I still draw breath. I will not fail to honor my duty by refusing my fate. My life, or my death, will be at his hand."

I do understand where you stand I would have ended my life if I would have fail my invasion of Chu and bring Chaos for nothing... but you must know that you didn't fail your King it is in fact Xiang Yu that fail us all! He fail to protect the Emperor, he fail to help us militarily when we were in need and send troops to their death in battle he could not win against the rebel Zhefu... Xiang Yu's mistake have brought him to his end and no more lives should be taken in his name, especially not someone of your stature, someone that can bring so much to the people of Liang ! I would ask you to reconsider giving you life into Xiang Yu’s hands: my men will be at your service when you are ready to leave no matter where you lead them.

Hin Wu remained stoic, he had heard many things from Ma Dieu and not all of them had come to pass. The only crack in this facade was the mention that Cao Can had given over his loyalty to this man... At this the Duke gave a small sigh. The man was loyal to Chu, and had come into Hin Wu's service for this reason... Not unexpected but still another failure. "I am sure you will understand if I decline to be escorted by men who are not my own. In my company, they might also be subject to the King's anger, to which no man should be exposed who is not deserving of such. I will take my leave, then." Hin Wu makes a shallow bow to those assembled, then turns and walks slowly from the tent.

......

The servants of Xiang Yu made their way back to where they'd last seen the Hegemon and their mistress. However the camp was no longer there. The four men looked around a bit but none of them were especially knowledgeable about tracking and none could tell where the Masters had gone. Sighing they sat on the ground to rest.

After a while Xiang Bo appeared in the clearing and ordered them to get up and follow him. They were led to a new campsite, a half a day away, and there they made their report. The elder servant spoke for all and Bu managed to contain himself even though he was anxious about all of it. The Hegemon was quite intimidating.

"My king, we went and made the proposal to Ma Dieu. He replied that he would release the Duke immediately and that he would agree to release Xiang Zhuang in exchange for the body and equipment of their dead champion." Here the man paused. He was meant to say that Xiang Yu should bring the body - and about the safe passage - but he could not bring himself to say such a thing to the Hegemon. He glanced, surreptitiously, at the fire. There was no cauldron there but, of course, the Hegemon was quite creative.

The others held their breath. Perhaps this would work out they all thought. If the exchange did not work it would be due to Ma Dieu's treachery and not their mistake - or cowardice.

Xiang Yu, after a moment, nodded sharply. He turned to Xiang Bo and said, "You are sure they were not followed?"

"They were not. I watched carefully. They would have been easily followed as well."

Xiang Yu nodded again and said, "This might indicate that he really wishes to make the exchange. Or merely that he realized following would be a waste of time." He paced slightly and then said, "Was there any sign of the Duke?"

Xiang Bo shook his head. He turned to the servants and said, "Did you see the Duke?"

The elder servant nodded and said, "He was still there. But he might have been released after."

Xiang Yu listened carefully and then said, "We must set watches and wait. If he was to be released then he will appear. Then we shall make the exchange."

Near dusk, half a day after the curious envoys had been met by Xiang Bo, another man entered the clearing. The envoys had been easy enough to follow to this point... And if he himself was being followed or accompanied, he cared little at this point. Hin Wu showed fewer signs of privation than he had in Ma Dieu's camp, he was returning to health despite the ride... Water was plentiful, the food adequate, and his sleep was untroubled despite the cold. Reaching the hollow, he drank from the icy water, and tied his horse to a tree as he leaned up against another. He could tell that many people had been here and recently... He'd find the envoys' trail in the morning. For now, he leaned against the tree and slept, a blanket over him and his cloak pulled tightly around him. He knew that the blanket should probably go under him, but he was too tired to care at this point.

[dskod1]

In a sitting position Xue was unable to bow properly so he bowed with his head out of respect.

"I welcome the victorious conquerer."

He gave a smiled as he put his tea up in toast to the man but soon placed it down again

"I joined Chu to serve and make Chu prosperous again. My loyalties lay with chu whoever may be leading it and have abilities in both matters of states as well as warfare tactics"

Xue gestured with his hand for the man to sit

"Would you care to join us? I assume you enjoy tea?"

A tea had already been poured out for him and its smell was rising from the untouched cup.

[ann]

Xiang Bo returned, carefully, to the clearing to see whether Ma Dieu made good his promise and released the Duke. After carefully examining the surrounding area for spies he returned to the clearing and found his new kinsmen sleeping there. Rather than wake the Duke, who had no doubt had a trying time while imprisoned, Xiang Bo held back at the edge of the clearing and sent for the rest of their party.

When Xiang Yu arrived, they entered the clearing and, despite moderate attempts at quiet, woke the Duke.

"It is good to see you free of the betrayer. Food will be prepared." Xiang Yu smiled grimly. After various servants began to scuttle about to carry out his order he continued, "Have you any further news?"

[gravenimages]

Hin Wu had been sleeping deeply, and woke slowly despite the sounds of the camp. He looked at Xiang Yu without comprehension, and glanced about the clearing to assure himself that he was, indeed, awake, before returning his confused gaze back to the King. The man did not seem overly wroth with him... Perhaps in the press of combat certain things had not been relayed to the King regarding Hin Wu's failure. Or perhaps his failure hadn't been as total as he believed?

Belatedly, his sharp mind began cataloging the events of the month from the impartial position he had been careful to cultivate during his intellectual exercises. He didn't seem to realize he was thinking aloud. "Orders went awry, messages weren't delivered... The enemy was behind our lines almost at will... Tens of thousands of men laid down arms rather than fight... Every captured officer without ties to the Xiang clan willingly gave himself over to the service of Ma Dieu..."

The Duke's expression changed from confusion to the introspective air of a man deep in thought while he spoke, but at this point he resumed eye contact with Xiang Yu with a jolt. "My King, you have been betrayed... By more than Ma Dieu. I had heard rumors of a conspiracy in Chu, and I believe it came to a head on the field." He braces a hand against the tree trunk and pushes himself to his feet. "But this does not excuse my failure on the field. It was my duty to defend and secure our line of supply, and I failed... And so the battle was lost." Wu drew himself up straight. "I offer my head as some poor payment for my failure, and the Xiang name with which I was honored, that my failures might not stain it."

[ann]

Xiang Yu listened carefully to Xiang Hin's words. Since the battle he had only one thought - vengeance. The battle itself was a betrayal, the alliance with Tian Rong was a betrayal as well. Perhaps Fan Zeng had not been the only officer to chafe at his success. It was true that no other officer had arrived even from those not involved in the battle. Perhaps they'd not known where to look but Xiang Bo had been watching carefully.

After some thought he said, "I failed as well. We cannot dwell on this failure if we are to earn our vengeance. Have you any men left? Have you seen any officers from our forces not involved?"

Before his new kinsmen could speak he turned to Xiang Bo and said, "Please arrange to take the body and equipment for the exchange. You may send the same group. Safe passage has been offered after all." The Hegemon gave a wry smile.