Warlords: Three Kingdoms

OneEyedDrgn wrote:"Oho, really?" Zhuwen responded with a chuckle. "I thought I wasn't answering enough. But a King gets whatever he wants huh? I guess that's true, but to be a king, a guy has to work really hard or get really lucky in being born under a king. The first seems like a hassle, the latter you have to be one lucky son of a bitch. And in my opinion, being a king is way too much work. So what about you? If you could become Kin- err... Queen I should say, Tai, would you take it?

It seemed Zhuwen honestly did not have too much ambitions. He was simply in this life to enjoy it, and that made it hard what Zhuwen's future would be. Perhaps nothing would change ten or twenty years from now, perhaps Zhuwen would still be leading the lifestyle he now had.

As the two talked on, the village they had previously been at could now be seen coming in to view.

Tai didn't resond at first to Zhuwen, she just cuddled up to him as they walked. She wasn't shy about what she thought, she was just taking in the moment. She hoped that they would get something to eat soon, as she hadn't eaten all day, or at least, she didn't rememeber eating. She thought as she closed her eyes, before she opened them, seeing the people of the village before her.

"A Queen I might be, still, if I tried. I wonder though, what is the point of being so, if you are to rule alone? Kings and Queens are often so, seeking their own fun, because they need it. you think being a King is very much work? Does it not have enough rewards? Tai wonders, have you ever looked into the eyes of someone you've killed? If you haven't, perhaps you should, it might show you a whole new world of work."

Tai kept on walking forward, not really stopping, except for effect.

"Of course, if you kill someone and find it fun, perhaps it would not be work. A pity that you could not find the fun in being King. A pity."

"...Doesn't sound too tempting if you ask me," Zhuwen said in response to Tai's question. "I don't feel too bad about killing, and I'd like it to stay that way. Heck, just thinking about it sounds creepy. I see it this way... Whether I killed the guy or not, he was going to die sometime soon anyway. And anyone should be prepared to die in war, I know I was. That's not to say I want to die of course, I just know that reaper might come at me anytime. I'll laugh at it and mock it before I cringe in fear."

All the talking made Zhuwen feel a bit queasy. He liked seeing the world in his simple views, the complicated things he usually didn't bother with.

"Well... I wouldn't say killing is fun exactly. I just like fighting. I don't know why, just brings a little thrill, gets you pumped up. Maybe it's a guy thing. Killing just comes with it, I think only sadists would actually like killing. But hey, if that's all it took to be a king, I'd be fine with it. I more don't want to deal with all that administration, politics, and governing crap."

They were at the village now, and it was fairly getting dark. There were a lot less people now, and the chirping of crickets could be heard. Zhuwen let out a loud yawn, after the meal, he'd probably;y knock out. He led Tai into a medium-sized inn, a place where one could eat downstairs and the rooms were on the upper floors. The place seemed fairly lively, the room to eat lit up with bright torches, the sound of chatter filling the room, and a tasty aroma coming from the kitchen. He motioned for Tai to sit at a table, and soon enough a waitress came. The waitress, a young woman probably no older than twenty frowned when she saw Zhuwen.

"Well... You're back Sir Liang. Another lady, will you ever stop your womanizing?"

"Hey hey... You like ruining my nights don't you? But no, she isn't like the others, heck, I'm not even getting any action. Anyway, get me the usual and anything the lady wants."

The waitress gave a doubtful look at the man, and then looked at Tai to see what she would want.

Trendkill wrote:Jian spun around in surprise, having not expected anyone else to be in the area. Hearing the compliment, he relaxed a bit and smiled, relieved by the thought that a bandit would not have made their presence known in such a fashion. "Wh...why thank you, I've been practicing alot lately," he said in an embarrassed tone before rising to his feet. "I am called Luo Jian, and I've recently joined the King of Chu. May I have the honor of knowing your name good sir?" He could tell tell by the strangers stature and bearing that he had to be a warrior of some type, or perhaps a weapons smith, and so assumed, or maybe even hoped, that he too worked for Xiang Yu and the Emperor.

Ma Su smiled at the mans humility. "Well that's unique around these parts." Upon hearing that he was a fellow officer, Ma Su laughed a friendly laugh.

"Excellent, a comrade then! I am Ma Su of Wei, also in service to our Hegemonic King." He bowed a respectful bow, and continued. "I am one of the military officers around here, I would assume you are a diplomat?" He joked.. "May I join you? I have some food here of my own." He reached out for his horse, but his hand flew the air as he forgot his horse was grazing. Chuckling at his mistake, he whistled for his horse who trotted over to him, and he removed some salted meat from the saddle.

"This coming campaign against Yangcheng will be watched with great interest throughout the Middle Kingdom," stated Ji Bu, as he strode down the corridor to observe the army that he had been assigned.

"I wonder who is willing to come with you, general?" said one of the group of subordinate commanders that followed the former mercenary commander. "There has been a great influx of new command officers in the past few months. Some of them are pretty good commanders, though all of them are lacking in the necessary experience for the Hegemonic King to trust them with an army of their own. They will all want to prove themselves."

"Agreed," replied Ji Bu, as he paused at the exit to the building. "Now time to show these newbies what a real general of Chu can do . . ." Straightening to his full burly build, Ji Bu strode out onto the command pulpit where he observed the army of twenty thousand troops at work.

(OOC: Open RP for all those officers in the service of Chu to volunteer for the Yangcheng campaign. I want to make my decision before the turn changes tomorrow.)

Campaign

Ma Su would not be late today. A campaign against Yangcheng had been in the works for the past week, and now its Commander, Ji Bu, was gathering the troops and sending an open invitation to all the generals at the Court to join the campaign. Supposedly only two would be chosen, so Ma Su would have to be at his best to prove his worth. Donning the same attire he had worn when he went to visit Lu Chen, white plume helmet and all, he marched out of his quarters with head held high, a look of determination written on his face.

Ma Su had been in many skirmishes and some major battles during the course of the war, but he had never commanded more than a few hundred men at a time. This would indeed be a great opportunity for him to prove himself, if he could become part of this expedition. He had heard about Ji Bu as a very coarse, grizzled former mercenary, a welcome change from the stuffiness of civil politics in Ma Su's opinion. Ma Su brought Liao Jian in tow, also outfitted in his combat armor, if only just to see the army preparing; it was doubtful he would be brought along.

Coming out of the Imperial barracks, he looked on with admiration and exhilaration at the mass of troops drilling and preparing. It was just like the old days of the height of the war, and Ma Su smiled, feeling at home. This smile faded quickly as he spied a large man, probably Ji Bu, surrounded by an entourage of officers, all approaching the command pulpit. Prepping himself a brief moment, he walked towards the group and addressed one of the soldiers guarding the command pulpit. Saluting briefly, he said to the soldier

"Officer Ma Su, I'm here to see General Ji Bu."

Zhao Ren

Xiang Yu paused a moment before responding. Then said, “I believe that those who have brought us armies, led the armies, and who have won us so much ought to be rewarded according to their service. It is my view that such rewards can, at the same time, expand our sphere of influence.”

After a moment Xiang Yu continued, “As to the location of your capital, Righteous Emperor, I am merely pointing out that there is much tradition on the subject and that the current location is not fitting for you.”

With Ji Bu preparing the men for campaign, Shen Feng made an effort to attend. He did not truly expect to be chosen, when comparing his skills and records to the other talented men in the army, but he at least wished to be present as a reminder to Ji Bu and the others that he had led an army before.

He had traded out his normal minister's robe for a suit of leather armor, and his trusty sword was scabbarded at his waist. A small green skullcap rested atop his head where normally a more ceremonial headdress might. Though smaller than many of the other generals, he did know how to handle his sword, rather his failings laid in his lack of knowledge of the strategies of Sun Zi and other men, things he had simply never had an opportunity to study. While he might be servicable in a support role, Ji Bu had said he was only selecting two commanders to aid him, hence Shen Feng figured his appearance here would be just that, an appearance.

Approaching Ji Bu's command pulpit, Feng clasped his hands together and bowed to the burly general. "Minister Shen Feng reporting, sir." He looked up with a smile, knowing that Ji Bu will likely be surprised by his arrival, perhaps even amused. "I have commanded men in the past, though it is not my greatest strength. Even should I not be selected, I would like to see how a superior general such as yourself handles matters of command, so that I might learn for the future."

Jin Shi wrote:Coming out of the Imperial barracks, he looked on with admiration and exhilaration at the mass of troops drilling and preparing. It was just like the old days of the height of the war, and Ma Su smiled, feeling at home. This smile faded quickly as he spied a large man, probably Ji Bu, surrounded by an entourage of officers, all approaching the command pulpit. Prepping himself a brief moment, he walked towards the group and addressed one of the soldiers guarding the command pulpit. Saluting briefly, he said to the soldier

"Officer Ma Su, I'm here to see General Ji Bu."

"Welcome Sir Ma, you are expected," replied the lieutenant, politely greeting the young soldier, "The general is up on the observation pulpit waiting for you."

When Ma Su had reached the top, his arrival was announced. "So you are Ma Su?" stated the formidable former mercenary, flicking a brief look at the young man before returning his attention to the twenty thousand strong army drilling before him. "What battlefield experience do you have that you think you are ready to help command twenty thousand soldiers?"

Shen Feng wrote:Approaching Ji Bu's command pulpit, Feng clasped his hands together and bowed to the burly general. "Minister Shen Feng reporting, sir." He looked up with a smile, knowing that Ji Bu will likely be surprised by his arrival, perhaps even amused. "I have commanded men in the past, though it is not my greatest strength. Even should I not be selected, I would like to see how a superior general such as yourself handles matters of command, so that I might learn for the future."

"So, even a minister wishes to take part in this exercise to show the Middle Kingdom the strength of the Hegemonic King?" asked Ji Bu, turning to regard the young official. After looking at the man up and down, the general shook his head. "One look at you tells me you haven't commanded large formations of troops . . . nor have the actual ability to make a difference on the battlefield. I have not seen a sorrier excuse of a Chu soldier in my life." Pausing, Ji Bu took a swig from his wineskin. "I'm looking for real soldiers here . . . people who have actual experience fighting on the battlefield, not pansies who would run at the first sign of trouble. Now stop wasting my time and get."

Ma Su sized up Ji Bu now that he was essentially face to face. Ji Bu's physical size was large, but Ma Su suspected that he wasn't as strong as he put off. He was somewhat old after all, and Su was in his prime. Su briefly looked out at the mass of soldiers as Ji Bu did before he turned back to Ji Bu and replied

"I have served in combat for the past four years during the wars, as did you. I originally lead my fellow villagers as a semi-independent security force to keep the peace in Wei Province, but would later joined up with the Emperor's army. I was part of the Northern Campaign under Song Yi, later Xiang Yu, as a low ranking officer. I commanded 500 men by the end of the war, starting as a simple soldier at the beginning. I cannot say that I have been in charge of masses of troops like the group we have here, but I have plenty of small unit, tactical warfare experience. I also studied strategy on my own as a boy... I believe I am ready to command a large group of men such as this. I have gotten to know them better over the past few weeks when I drilled them, and I am confident I can lead them well."

Hoping he had not gone on for too long, he stood there silent and waited for Ji Bu's response, looking out at the soldiers from time to time.

As Ji Bu berated him, Shen Feng bowed his head, if only to conceal the small smile that was forming on his face. Being talked down to was nothing new to him. For every person who was charmed by his pleasant demeanor, there was always another who felt threatened in some way by his good looks or positive nature. This was no different.

"General, I have fought in several pitched battles over the last four years, before coming to the Chu courts. I cannot claim to have taken dozens of heads in each fight, but the battlefield is not unknown to me. Back to my original point, even should I be rightly passed over for someone of superior skill, I would still remain here to watch. I am yet young, and there is much I can learn from seeing how you handle these men and the other applicants. I shall stay out of your way, if you wish it, but I do intend to observe at least before you depart. Surely you cannot be opposed to someone seeking self-improvement?"

Feng clasped his hands together before the general and awaited his reply. Should he still be angry, then there would be no recourse but to depart, but hopefully he would relent and permit the minister to watch at least. Particularly given the thus-far meager turnout, as it seemed many of the generals of Chu could not be bothered to report for duty.