Cao Chao wrote:"Perhaps it will be one of us who serve the Yi clan and dream of the restoration of Qi," replied the young general with a smile, "Or perhaps it is one of those who have hopes for Zhao. We do not know . . . and likely we will not know for some time. In the meantime, it is important to ensure that there is little dissent within our officer corps. If it does occur, the consequences will be dire."
"Shi Tong? Probably not . . . or at least, not yet," replied Zhiwen, shaking his head. "While he has expanded well in Jiaodong and Jibei, he has done so without a single modicum of resistance and with few worries about any enemies. Giving the dislike shared between him and Zhefu of Qi towards the Hegemonic King, he has been able to expand without the worries. We on the other hand, while expanding in Zhao, will have to worry about enemies throughout. Not only Zhefu in the east, but others as well. Zhao is a central province. We will do well to keep an eye on our neighbors."
"The difference lies in their methods, my friend," Rui pointed out. "Where one man flaunts his power to threaten others, the other uses diplomacy to quietly divert attention, while at the same time expanding his borders quickly," Rui added. "Why is Zhefu unable to leave Qi?" he posed. "Why is Shi Tong able to expand into Jibei? Why the double-standard?"
Rui thumbed his lips pensively, a knowing smile growing on his face. "Why weren't we attacked by Zhefu, despite knowing where we are and that we oppose him? He certainly has the troop strength to do it, and taking us out now would've preemptively eliminated a threat," he mused. "Thus, we must conclude that some outside force has chained him, even if temporarily, to Qi. Is it Shi Tong? Unlikely. Zhefu probably has more troop strength than the man in Jiaodong does. None of the other warlords have enough strength to even match him, with the exception of one: Xiang Yu."
"That leads me to conclude that Zhefu has been ordered to stay still, Zhiwen," he reasoned. "Meaning that where Shi Tong succeeded diplomatically, Zhefu failed. Thus, we are shown the difference between a man who can balance light and dark, and one who cannot: one is chained, while the other expands freely, without reprimand."
"The west, for its part, is embroiled in its own conflict," Rui then observed. "The battle of Gaonu in Di has quite likely thrown the expected status quo into disarray, thus the warlords will likely be more cautious," he noted. "Our north, for its part, is empty, only tormented by a vile man burning it to the ground. To the south is Yin, where our friend Lady Zhu hold command of half the province, if not more," he added, before chuckling. "At this time, Zhiwen, we are better served consolidating our position. Our flanks, for whatever reason, are secure."
Bái Ruì zí Ruìcōng, 24 (Male) - 71-23-81-78-56 - Skills: Confuse I, Cover II, Dash II, Decoy I, Diplomat II, Escort I
Followers:
Qiao An (18, F) 36-50-67-70-80 Public Planner II, Scout I, Gongshu I, Confuse I
Lu Ning (23, M) 56-80-47-41-66 Wall I, Decoy I, Gongshu I, Inspire I, Charge I, Spy I, Haste I, Delay I
"The right timing, the right place, and the right people are important to one's conquest...but so is luck."
Disclaimer: Things characters played by Marquis Black may say do not necessarily reflect the state of mind or opinions of its roleplayer.