January 207
RP for Lu Chen (Belial)
By the time he was close enough to make out details of Yangcheng, Yi Guangs' curiosity had become overwhelming. Why couldn't Lu Chen meet him in Wu? He continued to follow his escort with some reluctance. The veteran commander was more vulnerable in Chu, but his feelings were clear and he had nothing left to lose. In his entire life, he had never been in such a situation as this but he was no fool and recognized the potential in the meeting. Yi Guang had no idea how the Imperial Minister would react. In a sudden flash of doubt, Yi thought of turning around and leaving. However, the young commander sat straight in the saddle as he rode on in silence... trying to lighten his grim mood.
Chu Provincial Roleplay
Moderator: Game Masters
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
If Yi Guang had expected pomp and flowery audiences, Yi Guang had certainly chosen the wrong man. While the flowery of court and its countless dainties was an art lost upon the aging Imperial Minister of Inspection, the burdensome weight of political intrigue was a burden becoming far to endured. Perhaps it was a weight that had rubbed the aging minister to paranoia, yet with an alienating secrecy the former supreme commander of the lands of Wu was smuggled into the small city of Yangcheng.
With neither banner, parade, or even criers to announce his arrival, former supreme commander of Wu, Yi Guang, was brought into the city of Yangcheng with only a sole man as his guide. Dressed in the informal and rough clothing of a laborer, Yi Guang's escort was a man of middle age whom rode a graying mare without bridle or saddle. With only a small weapon tucked away upon his person, the laborer might of simply faded into the crowd if not for the man who he led along. Yet, bringing the man in the outer edges of the city and into Yangcheng's lower class residential areas, the middle aged escort led Yi Guang to a building of grave condition. A dirty, near condemning, yet surprisingly lively bar was where the man led Yi Guang. Yet, motioning for a stablehand to take both of their mounts, the man of middle aged dismounted and led Yi Guang inside. Should the former general of Wu follow, he would find himself within a heady and smoke filled room where the unwashed masses openly drank and laughed. Yet, it was a room quickly passed up as Yi Guang's escort motioned for him to step within the back. With a mere nod at the barkeep, the man moved forward and eased open the door and revealed what might of been the kitchen's storage room. It was into this damp, dusty, and spicy smelling room that Yi Guang was led into before the door closed and a bar set against the door. "One moment." the middle aged man commented before moving forward into the large room. Passing to a small door at the opposite end of the storage room, the middle aged man sparked up a brief and quiet conversation. Only the faintest hints reached Yi Guang's ears. Something about Yi Guang's arrival.
Yet, mere seconds after the words reached Yi Guang's ears, did a slow, tense, movement catch his attention. From the room where the middle aged man had spoken, four men stepped free. Each of them was a man of middling age who boldly wore both a plate of bronze across their chest and a halberd within a veteran's grasp. Yet, quick to move from behind him, a fifth figure moved. With his large frame adorned within his signature furred cloak, a small yet sturdy man moved forward. Within the dim lighting, the man might of been taken a warrior gone to fat with age. Yet, even if his body had softened, the small man would be quick to prove an iron will remained. "You wished to meet with me?" the aged man questioned in a stern and masculine voice.
With neither banner, parade, or even criers to announce his arrival, former supreme commander of Wu, Yi Guang, was brought into the city of Yangcheng with only a sole man as his guide. Dressed in the informal and rough clothing of a laborer, Yi Guang's escort was a man of middle age whom rode a graying mare without bridle or saddle. With only a small weapon tucked away upon his person, the laborer might of simply faded into the crowd if not for the man who he led along. Yet, bringing the man in the outer edges of the city and into Yangcheng's lower class residential areas, the middle aged escort led Yi Guang to a building of grave condition. A dirty, near condemning, yet surprisingly lively bar was where the man led Yi Guang. Yet, motioning for a stablehand to take both of their mounts, the man of middle aged dismounted and led Yi Guang inside. Should the former general of Wu follow, he would find himself within a heady and smoke filled room where the unwashed masses openly drank and laughed. Yet, it was a room quickly passed up as Yi Guang's escort motioned for him to step within the back. With a mere nod at the barkeep, the man moved forward and eased open the door and revealed what might of been the kitchen's storage room. It was into this damp, dusty, and spicy smelling room that Yi Guang was led into before the door closed and a bar set against the door. "One moment." the middle aged man commented before moving forward into the large room. Passing to a small door at the opposite end of the storage room, the middle aged man sparked up a brief and quiet conversation. Only the faintest hints reached Yi Guang's ears. Something about Yi Guang's arrival.
Yet, mere seconds after the words reached Yi Guang's ears, did a slow, tense, movement catch his attention. From the room where the middle aged man had spoken, four men stepped free. Each of them was a man of middling age who boldly wore both a plate of bronze across their chest and a halberd within a veteran's grasp. Yet, quick to move from behind him, a fifth figure moved. With his large frame adorned within his signature furred cloak, a small yet sturdy man moved forward. Within the dim lighting, the man might of been taken a warrior gone to fat with age. Yet, even if his body had softened, the small man would be quick to prove an iron will remained. "You wished to meet with me?" the aged man questioned in a stern and masculine voice.
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
Yi Guang stood with his back to the door of the room he had been shown into, shutting out the noise and stench of the place. He hated the grubby little place. In this place, with the dirt and squaller of a tavern hosting a meeting with the Imperial Minister of Chu. Though Yi felt more relaxed than he had for many months of war. The destruction of Ma Su's forces at Huaiyin had not lanced the corruption of his rage. Instead, it had grown. He had pushed Wu's armies hard, but with Ma Dieu still alive, Yi felt driven to wreak devastation on the man's rule. A line had been crossed in the relentless pursuit of his kingdoms downfall, in the condition of King Li Jiacheng himself, Yi Guang had reacted in the only way he knew. Everything that had come to pass would soon be revealed.
Yi struggled not to let his anger surface as he addressed the elder man so instead he gave a fractional nod. "I wished to meet the Imperial Minister. A man who would see true justice wrought on those who would use such titles for personal ambition and greed... against those who defy and resist a united Middle Kingdom... against prosperity and peace, of strength and unity. Are you truly that man, Lu Chen?" Yi Guang replied as if the question had not been asked. In the stifling air he held his breath whilst peering suspiciously at the four halberd wielding men. "Why do you huddle like rats in this forsaken place?" he continued testily. He had not had time to consider how best to use the information he had brought. The best results never came from hasty action and he intended to use the time wisely.
Yi struggled not to let his anger surface as he addressed the elder man so instead he gave a fractional nod. "I wished to meet the Imperial Minister. A man who would see true justice wrought on those who would use such titles for personal ambition and greed... against those who defy and resist a united Middle Kingdom... against prosperity and peace, of strength and unity. Are you truly that man, Lu Chen?" Yi Guang replied as if the question had not been asked. In the stifling air he held his breath whilst peering suspiciously at the four halberd wielding men. "Why do you huddle like rats in this forsaken place?" he continued testily. He had not had time to consider how best to use the information he had brought. The best results never came from hasty action and he intended to use the time wisely.
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
"You would doubt me?" the Imperial Minister of Inspection questioned as his thick brow settled in a line of thought. "I have little time to spare for a game of words, boy." Lù Chén continued as his steely gaze regarded the man before him. "Much less the words of a wanted man." the Imperial Minister commented, allowing the depth of his words to ring withing Yi Guang's mind.
"If you are unaware, both the late Emperor of Ten Thousand Years and King Xiang Yu has declared the upstart kings of this land traitors to the state of Chu whom are to be killed upon sight while those who serve are to be arrested and held for trial and punishment for their deeds. After raising an army against our fair king, even an army who retreated without a single blow, your fate is to be death, Yi Guang. I should have you arrested upon the spot yet I am no fool or coward who would quiver within the shadows of this bar. Now, boy," Lù Chén began once more in a voice dribbling with agitation, "I will be blunt. You have been brought here to deliver your message to me in person. Afterward, you will be escorted outside of the city and given a day's leave before I notify the city guards to pursue you. Likewise, depending on the quality of the information you provide me, I will attempt to arrange a pardon for your treason against the state."
"Now, speak."
"If you are unaware, both the late Emperor of Ten Thousand Years and King Xiang Yu has declared the upstart kings of this land traitors to the state of Chu whom are to be killed upon sight while those who serve are to be arrested and held for trial and punishment for their deeds. After raising an army against our fair king, even an army who retreated without a single blow, your fate is to be death, Yi Guang. I should have you arrested upon the spot yet I am no fool or coward who would quiver within the shadows of this bar. Now, boy," Lù Chén began once more in a voice dribbling with agitation, "I will be blunt. You have been brought here to deliver your message to me in person. Afterward, you will be escorted outside of the city and given a day's leave before I notify the city guards to pursue you. Likewise, depending on the quality of the information you provide me, I will attempt to arrange a pardon for your treason against the state."
"Now, speak."
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
Yi Guang raised an eyebrow as he considered taking offence. "Very well." he replied, frowning. "My orders have always been for Chu's best interests shown by the Prime Minister of Chu, Fan Zeng's own writing." Yi reached into his inner robe to withdraw an official parchment bearing the personal chop of Chu: (PM Incoming!) As he watched Lu Chen read the letters contents he made an effort to relax his muscles where they had tightened. "Anyone who condemns the King of Wu a traitor does so with words unfounded for they could only have been spoken from the lips of Ma Dieu and Xiang Jun." Yi Guang's voice was firm, as might be expected of one so used to authority. "Both have haboured a known rebel to the imperial court, Deng Yue. A name King Shen Feng knows well as should the Hegemonic King himself."
The young general then blinked, considering his next choice of words. "My orders in Liang we're not to engage King Xiang Yu's forces but to crush Ma Su, Ma Dieu's cousin and recently announced traitor. My intentions mirrored Chu and under my command the armies marched from the riverlands. By these actions alone should proclaim my innocence and in turn, King Li Jiacheng." Once more Yi Guang reached into his inner robe and drew out another letter: (PM Incoming!) "These are the words and true intentions of Chu's most revered General. Ma Dieu has drawn support from throughout the southlands and his influence is too dangerous to be left unchecked. Already he has manipulated the courts and filled the King's mind with deceit and lies."
Yi Guang frowned at a sudden thought as Lu Chen read the second Letter. "King Baocen Peng is one of many who have been swayed by his vile and despicable ways... assisting Marquis Ma Dieu and, King Xiang Yu's own soldiers I might add, in calculated invasions of Jiujiang and Yue provinces. This ambitious and power-driven warlord seeks the throne of Chu, and perhaps even the title of Emperor." Once Lu Chen had read the letter carefully, Yi Guang revealed the last from within his robe: (PM Incoming!) "I do not pretend to be loyal to the Hegemonic King... though, I see a greater threat in Ma Dieu should action not be taken. Now." He concluded, watching for any subtle doubt in the Imperial Ministers expression.
The young general then blinked, considering his next choice of words. "My orders in Liang we're not to engage King Xiang Yu's forces but to crush Ma Su, Ma Dieu's cousin and recently announced traitor. My intentions mirrored Chu and under my command the armies marched from the riverlands. By these actions alone should proclaim my innocence and in turn, King Li Jiacheng." Once more Yi Guang reached into his inner robe and drew out another letter: (PM Incoming!) "These are the words and true intentions of Chu's most revered General. Ma Dieu has drawn support from throughout the southlands and his influence is too dangerous to be left unchecked. Already he has manipulated the courts and filled the King's mind with deceit and lies."
Yi Guang frowned at a sudden thought as Lu Chen read the second Letter. "King Baocen Peng is one of many who have been swayed by his vile and despicable ways... assisting Marquis Ma Dieu and, King Xiang Yu's own soldiers I might add, in calculated invasions of Jiujiang and Yue provinces. This ambitious and power-driven warlord seeks the throne of Chu, and perhaps even the title of Emperor." Once Lu Chen had read the letter carefully, Yi Guang revealed the last from within his robe: (PM Incoming!) "I do not pretend to be loyal to the Hegemonic King... though, I see a greater threat in Ma Dieu should action not be taken. Now." He concluded, watching for any subtle doubt in the Imperial Ministers expression.
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
If a single emotion ever took the Imperial Minister's face, it was likely not what Yi Guang might of expected. It was not wrath or surprise which took those leathery features. It was not pleasure and distaste that wrought his lips into the foulest of lines. It was not even surprise that blanched his cheeks and saw the color drained from his aging features. If ever a single emotion took the Imperial Minister's features, it was displeasure. Simple displeasure. Yet, with both the three articles handed over and the man's words fully listened to, the Imperial Minister gave a small glance at those gathered notes before he nodded. Without a word, a single guard came forth to collect the letters before disappearing within the rooms. Within the minute, ashes would be all that was left and the ashes scattered.
Yet, with his lips set within a fine line, the Imperial Minister of Inspection stood there for a long moment as he considered what he should do. Only the briefest expression of thought creased his features, yet his mind raced. What should he do? Eliminate this man and forever end a possible trouble? Attempt to twist him to his own side? Or, perhaps simply allow him to run? What would be the repercussion of each action? For a long moment, he stood there and only one the guard had returned from disposing the letters did he finally act. "It would seem the third throne is one I knew one," the Imperial Minister softly began as he turned his eyes upon Yi Guang, "yet, that is no longer the matter. I will guarantee you a day's flight from this city before I turn the guards after you. Yet, before you begin to flee, I would ask you to hold a moment longer." the Imperial Minister continued. "Despite the influence and rank of the Prime Minister, you are still a traitor and as well your king. A traitor, but nonetheless a man of great loyalty." Lù Chén commented before his eyes became unfocused. Yet, with a sudden shift of his attention, his eyes came to pierce Yi Guang once more. "It is a pity your lord dared claim himself a king, otherwise I might of approached him sooner. With him, this period of chaos might of already been brought to an end. It seems as if your lord has become a servant of Chu even if he stands alongside a traitorous banner. As long as your lord declares himself king, he shall be a traitor. Should he renounce his claim upon the southern lands, a pardon might be granted. Yet, I have heard he has fallen ill as of late and that you have become his regent. Yet, you claim to be the former supreme commander of his armies. Am I to take it you have stepped down as regent?" he questioned. "If so, it is a pity."
"Yet, the men both your king and the Prime Minister would call traitor have been my within my own employ. I have known of King Xiang Yu's order for the Lord of Ten Thousand Year's capture and his order for his execution. I have known that the dog Ying Qu is to blame and while I sought to have the man imprisoned and tortured for his treason, a death at the hands of the Tian rebels of Qi is enough." he commented as his lips curled into a faint scowl. "Yet, the cousins Ma Su and Ma Dieu have been my own men. Along with them, Shen Feng and through him his allies of the south. It is against my own banner your king has fought, Yi Guang. It is against my," he began with emphasis upon that final word, "coalition that you have fought. Since the Emperor's tragic death and the Prime Minister's exile, I have striven to see the murderous Xiang clan brought to justice. I have brought together those officers of the Chu courts and I attempted to unite them underneath a single banner. Likewise, I saw Xiang Yu's own followers scattered. This includes the upstart Xiang Jun. I had hoped to see him bring his armies against Xiang Yu and join this coalition as well. He might of had he worked alongside us. Yet, I had hoped to see the young Ma Su put at the coalition's head.. the man proved himself a fool. He was unable to hold even Liang despite my attempts to aid him." he commented. "Unofficially, Ma Dieu bas taken up the torch of this coalition." Lù Chén commented within a soft tone. "I admit, I regret this turn of events. I believe I seen and awakened one tyrant against another. Now, Ma Dieu plans for the invasion of the Chu lands. To see Xiang Yu's regime overthrown and himself installed as regent until the new Son of the Heavens might be throned." Lù Chén commented.
"I fear for what may come, Yi Guang. Tell me, though. What has become of Wu in your absence? Does it still stand? Or rather, does their armies still follow their supreme commander?" he questioned in a soft, contemplative, voice.
Yet, with his lips set within a fine line, the Imperial Minister of Inspection stood there for a long moment as he considered what he should do. Only the briefest expression of thought creased his features, yet his mind raced. What should he do? Eliminate this man and forever end a possible trouble? Attempt to twist him to his own side? Or, perhaps simply allow him to run? What would be the repercussion of each action? For a long moment, he stood there and only one the guard had returned from disposing the letters did he finally act. "It would seem the third throne is one I knew one," the Imperial Minister softly began as he turned his eyes upon Yi Guang, "yet, that is no longer the matter. I will guarantee you a day's flight from this city before I turn the guards after you. Yet, before you begin to flee, I would ask you to hold a moment longer." the Imperial Minister continued. "Despite the influence and rank of the Prime Minister, you are still a traitor and as well your king. A traitor, but nonetheless a man of great loyalty." Lù Chén commented before his eyes became unfocused. Yet, with a sudden shift of his attention, his eyes came to pierce Yi Guang once more. "It is a pity your lord dared claim himself a king, otherwise I might of approached him sooner. With him, this period of chaos might of already been brought to an end. It seems as if your lord has become a servant of Chu even if he stands alongside a traitorous banner. As long as your lord declares himself king, he shall be a traitor. Should he renounce his claim upon the southern lands, a pardon might be granted. Yet, I have heard he has fallen ill as of late and that you have become his regent. Yet, you claim to be the former supreme commander of his armies. Am I to take it you have stepped down as regent?" he questioned. "If so, it is a pity."
"Yet, the men both your king and the Prime Minister would call traitor have been my within my own employ. I have known of King Xiang Yu's order for the Lord of Ten Thousand Year's capture and his order for his execution. I have known that the dog Ying Qu is to blame and while I sought to have the man imprisoned and tortured for his treason, a death at the hands of the Tian rebels of Qi is enough." he commented as his lips curled into a faint scowl. "Yet, the cousins Ma Su and Ma Dieu have been my own men. Along with them, Shen Feng and through him his allies of the south. It is against my own banner your king has fought, Yi Guang. It is against my," he began with emphasis upon that final word, "coalition that you have fought. Since the Emperor's tragic death and the Prime Minister's exile, I have striven to see the murderous Xiang clan brought to justice. I have brought together those officers of the Chu courts and I attempted to unite them underneath a single banner. Likewise, I saw Xiang Yu's own followers scattered. This includes the upstart Xiang Jun. I had hoped to see him bring his armies against Xiang Yu and join this coalition as well. He might of had he worked alongside us. Yet, I had hoped to see the young Ma Su put at the coalition's head.. the man proved himself a fool. He was unable to hold even Liang despite my attempts to aid him." he commented. "Unofficially, Ma Dieu bas taken up the torch of this coalition." Lù Chén commented within a soft tone. "I admit, I regret this turn of events. I believe I seen and awakened one tyrant against another. Now, Ma Dieu plans for the invasion of the Chu lands. To see Xiang Yu's regime overthrown and himself installed as regent until the new Son of the Heavens might be throned." Lù Chén commented.
"I fear for what may come, Yi Guang. Tell me, though. What has become of Wu in your absence? Does it still stand? Or rather, does their armies still follow their supreme commander?" he questioned in a soft, contemplative, voice.
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
Yi Guang held the Imperial Ministers gaze. He was suprised at the tightness in his chest at the thought of fleeing the dirty squalor of the tavern as a traitor. Yi struggled to find words to express his emotions. Panic rose like acid in his throat and he started to back away without thinking. His tone was a harsh whisper as he spoke. "Take a good look, Lu Chen. You have brought chaos and ruin to us all!" Yi wanted to say more but could not muster the words. In fact, he was already a dead man with no future in the new Hegemony and this meeting all but assured his execution should he be captured and returned to Chu. Yi wanted to return to Wu, though only because now he had a greater understanding of what he could win for himself. While Lu Chen had plunged the Middle Kingdom into the raging fires of war, Yi saw cities in his imagination and all the beauty and the power that came with them. Then the realization hit him once more, he was alone and the walls of the kitchen seemed to draw in on him every second. "Wu..." he said. "Wu still..." At last, Yi Guang shook himself, as if shrugging off a heavy weight. "The army is now under the command of my sworn brother and will continue to stand defiant. My influence holds still... albeit, for now." As Lu Chen's guards took positions next to the Imperial Minister, Yi's eyes flickered over them, registering the threat. His temper flared from within and for an instant, he was tempted to take the heads of all five. Though as his mind raced, he could delay no longer. Words began to form before he could truly think of anything. "I have given my loyalty and marched to war willingly... I have conquered vast provinces in Chu's name... only to have her vassals and armies seize everything I have payed for in blood. Now, whatever my fate... the Yi clan is disgraced and I have been sentenced to death." Yi forced himself to take a slow breath to steady himself, posed and ready to react to any hostile action, taut and strong like a bow ready to snap. "Now I will leave with at least some dignity." His tone hinting at the underlying question.
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
Lù Chén was hardly a fool. He was a man of war and he saw the tenseness of Yi Guang's arms. He saw the shift of his shoulders and the subtle changes of his jaw. It was a change that left his thin lips to tighten as he eyed the man before him. While he was no longer the swordsman of old, he had retained some of his might and if need be, he'd die with sword in hand. Yet, he was not so rash as to abandon himself to some headlong plunge. "You would say I have plunged the land into chaos?" Lù Chén softly asked, his voice dripping with wrath. "You would say I have driven the land to this state of confusion? I have done no such thing. I have striven to maintain the state of Chu. I have kept its generals from turning upon one another like ravenous dogs. I have kept the piggish Xiang Yu from declaring himself the Son of Heaven and Emperor above all. I have kept his armies from laying waste to hundreds of villages, towns, and cities in the north, west, east, and south." he snapped. "I have done nothing but keep the land in check, I have done nothing but keep the state of Chu from crumbling." he growled.
"I have striven to maintain its peace and sovereignty while maneuvering Xiang Yu's fall from the throne. The man is a butcher who will lead Chu to destruction with his flippant whims. He is the one who has driven the land into madness. By ordering the Lord of Ten Thousand Years butchered and disgraced, he has seen the Heavens themselves turn against us. The Heavens will not be appeased until the proper host of the Heaven's will sits upon the dragon's throne once more and the vile Xiang Yu and his fellow conspirators lay dead. The Heavens will not be appeased until the foul kings of this land have renounced their thrones and bow before the Heaven's new son and swear their fealty. Only after these two tasks have been done, will the Heavens be sated and peace return to this land. Yet, Yi Guang, I would call upon you to help me. I would call upon you to help me save this land. You may be a traitor and both you and your king condemned for death, yet you can change this. Ma Dieu has written me." Lù Chén softly began. "He has asked me if I would give him my support in the annexation of Chu. He said at the start of the new yar, he would either launch his armies at my bequest or finish the traitors of Wu." Lù Chén whispered. "I need you to return to your people, Yi Guang. I need you to return and take up the mantle of Supreme Commander once more. If you wish to see both the honor of your family and the honor of your king restored, if you wish to see the vile status of traitor stripped from your family's names, and if you wish to see not only your king but yourself given the posts of a proper hero," he began before pausing, "I will need your loyalty and support." Lù Chén began.
"Either Ma Dieu will march upon Chu this turn or turn his armies upon Wu. If he marches upon Chu, I need you to remain at the head of your armies and lash out against him the moment he has marched. To bleed his armies and turn his attention southward once more. To possibly destroy him once he has been weakened." Lù Chén began before pausing. "The armies of Chu are strong, Yi Guang. I have done my task to the best of my ability. I have seen the armies raised and given strength since I was given this office. Yet, Xiang Yu has squandered our armies. For every step I have made to save our people, he has taken two to destroy us. He has given Ying Bu, that foul bandit who killed the Emperor, a massive army and allowed him to be destroyed... Should Ma Dieu attack, I believe the armies of Chu will not stand. Yet, it is possible he will not ride against Chu. Instead, it is possible he will ride upon the kingdom of Wu and claim it within his name. Should he, I will need you to stand bold and face his armies. Even if you should lose, you might promise a chance of peace for all of the land. You might give my other coalition the time it needs to truly strike out." Lù Chén began before pausing, his lips creasing into a faint line.
"I simply hope I need not call upon the others.. it would be a gamble."
"I have striven to maintain its peace and sovereignty while maneuvering Xiang Yu's fall from the throne. The man is a butcher who will lead Chu to destruction with his flippant whims. He is the one who has driven the land into madness. By ordering the Lord of Ten Thousand Years butchered and disgraced, he has seen the Heavens themselves turn against us. The Heavens will not be appeased until the proper host of the Heaven's will sits upon the dragon's throne once more and the vile Xiang Yu and his fellow conspirators lay dead. The Heavens will not be appeased until the foul kings of this land have renounced their thrones and bow before the Heaven's new son and swear their fealty. Only after these two tasks have been done, will the Heavens be sated and peace return to this land. Yet, Yi Guang, I would call upon you to help me. I would call upon you to help me save this land. You may be a traitor and both you and your king condemned for death, yet you can change this. Ma Dieu has written me." Lù Chén softly began. "He has asked me if I would give him my support in the annexation of Chu. He said at the start of the new yar, he would either launch his armies at my bequest or finish the traitors of Wu." Lù Chén whispered. "I need you to return to your people, Yi Guang. I need you to return and take up the mantle of Supreme Commander once more. If you wish to see both the honor of your family and the honor of your king restored, if you wish to see the vile status of traitor stripped from your family's names, and if you wish to see not only your king but yourself given the posts of a proper hero," he began before pausing, "I will need your loyalty and support." Lù Chén began.
"Either Ma Dieu will march upon Chu this turn or turn his armies upon Wu. If he marches upon Chu, I need you to remain at the head of your armies and lash out against him the moment he has marched. To bleed his armies and turn his attention southward once more. To possibly destroy him once he has been weakened." Lù Chén began before pausing. "The armies of Chu are strong, Yi Guang. I have done my task to the best of my ability. I have seen the armies raised and given strength since I was given this office. Yet, Xiang Yu has squandered our armies. For every step I have made to save our people, he has taken two to destroy us. He has given Ying Bu, that foul bandit who killed the Emperor, a massive army and allowed him to be destroyed... Should Ma Dieu attack, I believe the armies of Chu will not stand. Yet, it is possible he will not ride against Chu. Instead, it is possible he will ride upon the kingdom of Wu and claim it within his name. Should he, I will need you to stand bold and face his armies. Even if you should lose, you might promise a chance of peace for all of the land. You might give my other coalition the time it needs to truly strike out." Lù Chén began before pausing, his lips creasing into a faint line.
"I simply hope I need not call upon the others.. it would be a gamble."
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
"With my own eyes" Yi said "I saw Ma Dieu send tens of thousands of his allies against the ranks of Wu's army, a suicidal charge in the greed for land. You have not seen the tyranny unleashed upon the south. He leaves only death and destruction in his wake." His voice was stern, hard. "You would have Ma Dieu as Regent, a man who would sacrifice his own officers for his own personal glory, who would see Liang crippled and his own cousin announced a rebel to the imperial court, only to fuel his own vengeful pursuit upon Wu... A man who would accept brigands, bandits, murderers, and savages into his ranks. The very Sinners Brigade that reduced the city of Changyi to rubble and ruin... reducing its population to nothing more than a small town." He said, his words woven with contempt. "That 'man'."
Yi Guang had made his authority clear in the first year, as he commanded the armies over provincial borders against Wu's enemies. Most were slaughtered, the rest driven away like cattle to take word to those who did not hear. Any general who raised an army against Li Jiacheng knew that they were gambling with their lives and they would lose. The city of Jiangcheng is powerful. It lay far from the corruption of Chu. The idea of an army ever coming close enough to cause concern was amusing and he merely shrugged off the warning.
"A hundred thousand of your coalition lie rotting in pits in Huainan alone. You do not know Ma Dieu as I do." He said, "He cares nothing for your precious Chu. The Middle Kingdom will never accept the man as Regent. Instead, they will raise up and bring only the sword and when they have broken the back of the imperial army they will look for new enemies. One day, Lu Chen, the armies of Han, Qi, Wei, Sai, all of them will come here, to this city. Perhaps I will be a prisoner here when that time comes. Perhaps I will already be resting bones. Perhaps I will stare across the plain as a King, revered, with my own army to bear upon these city walls. The man is a tyrant no better than Xiang Yu. Everything under Heaven will fall to ruin and Chu would sooner burn. This is can not be the way." Yi's mind spun crazily as he looked for fresh words. "I will stop Ma Dieu with or without your help, Imperial Minister." He spoke the title as an aid, to remind the elder man of his status at a time of crisis. "Wu will not fall. My word is iron."
Yi Guang scowled at the choices he had to make. He wanted Xiang Yu brought to heel, but Ma Dieu must not succeed. The risk of being crushed between hammer and anvil was too great. "I must prepare for what is to come." He said, dismissing himself from the tavern unless stopped by Lu Chen.
Yi Guang had made his authority clear in the first year, as he commanded the armies over provincial borders against Wu's enemies. Most were slaughtered, the rest driven away like cattle to take word to those who did not hear. Any general who raised an army against Li Jiacheng knew that they were gambling with their lives and they would lose. The city of Jiangcheng is powerful. It lay far from the corruption of Chu. The idea of an army ever coming close enough to cause concern was amusing and he merely shrugged off the warning.
"A hundred thousand of your coalition lie rotting in pits in Huainan alone. You do not know Ma Dieu as I do." He said, "He cares nothing for your precious Chu. The Middle Kingdom will never accept the man as Regent. Instead, they will raise up and bring only the sword and when they have broken the back of the imperial army they will look for new enemies. One day, Lu Chen, the armies of Han, Qi, Wei, Sai, all of them will come here, to this city. Perhaps I will be a prisoner here when that time comes. Perhaps I will already be resting bones. Perhaps I will stare across the plain as a King, revered, with my own army to bear upon these city walls. The man is a tyrant no better than Xiang Yu. Everything under Heaven will fall to ruin and Chu would sooner burn. This is can not be the way." Yi's mind spun crazily as he looked for fresh words. "I will stop Ma Dieu with or without your help, Imperial Minister." He spoke the title as an aid, to remind the elder man of his status at a time of crisis. "Wu will not fall. My word is iron."
Yi Guang scowled at the choices he had to make. He wanted Xiang Yu brought to heel, but Ma Dieu must not succeed. The risk of being crushed between hammer and anvil was too great. "I must prepare for what is to come." He said, dismissing himself from the tavern unless stopped by Lu Chen.
Re: Chu Provincial Roleplay
Lù Chén was silent as Yi Guang began to move from the bar, yet as soon as the man was outside of the room his escort fell into step with him again. The escort would follow Yi Guang five li outside of the city's borders before he finally returned. Yet, by the time the escort had returned to the bar, the dirty and run down building was completely abandoned without so much as a trace of Lù Chén or his men.