More Chinese-Related RPing For Your Amusement
Well, this is spurring on after the assassination of Shou Young. Now for a continuation, and an added twist. There may be some confusion, but I hope its fairly clear... if it's just "" then it's either Yuan Shu or Jin Long speaking.. otherwise, it'll have a name by it. Some pieces of the story may be missing, as I'm not including any of the other RPer's posts, but, as it is, my posts are more or less responses to theirs, anyways.
A Ruler's Day
Some interesting s'matters were going on today, it would seem.
Reaper's lieutenant was indeed a precarious and a gentle man. Yuan Shu's own eyes travelled across the room, tracking him, as he heaved up Reaper on his shoulder. He nodded, making notes of the politician's speculations on the upcoming wars, how it would go, and the effect on the people of having an officer of Song, an enemy to the kingdom, would be delt with by the people. Of some disturbances, of course, was the fact that an assassin was around. All of this was far from his mind, as he readjusted his seating on the throne chair. The lieutenant had come back and bowed to him.
The words of this man was sound, and Yuan Shu nodded in turn. Actually, he went to the lieutenant, and put both hands on the shoulders, of the man, raising him up from the ground, looking at him, him, no, looking beyond him.
"Reaper's deeds to the aid of Cheng's Master Strategist, BX, will never be forgotten. As the news of assassins raise, as they always do in the times before the lands clash, assuage any doubts that any harm will come upon your lord this night."
His neck snapped to the left, to one of the guards. There was a look of command in his eyes, as he barked orders to the man.
"Assemble a team of ten conscripts and two hunters to guard Sir Reaper's bedding! Only officers of our kingdom may enter, and even then, it is to be kept at a discretion. Go!"
The look in his eyes disappeared, and his eyes softened, as he looked back to the lieutenant. He clucked his tongue a little, as he popped his hands off the man's shoulder plating, and nodded.
"Though my disposition to Song as a whole may not be what it may used to have been, I still know when debts must be paid, when friends are to be found in enemies, and of course, the honor of men. Your forces, for whatever may remain, may take refuge in this city tonight, for your deeds with the Xiongnu."
Manners and kindness.
Some things were more effective then a thousand words... conflict could be avoided, wars could be prevented... yes. Such was the influences of a politician, a leader.
Again bowing, he then went onto take care of other things.
Maids Tending to Reaper
While Reaper slept, one of the maids came in, patted down, of course, with a blush on her face by the newly assembled conscript/hunter guards, before slapping one of them in the face, and walking in. With a tray of alcohol, bandages, water, and towelettes, she patted Reaper's forehead, smoothing over the long hair out of it. It was rather warm... Quickly acting, she took one of the towelletes, and dipped it lightly into the basin of water, squeezed out the excess, and smoothed it out, as she put it on Reaper's forehead. Sitting on the bedside, she noted his handsome features, and blushed slightly, playing with some rather strange ideas in her head...
All of that was interrupted, with a thump at the door, to make note of how long she was taking. Dripping some of the alcohol onto some of the bandages, she tore them into bits, and put them on the more reddish cuts on Reaper, before cleaning up the wet mess she had made, spilling out the excess alcohol, using the second towellete to clean up the mess.
As she again, she took up the tray, she remembered something... she put the tray down on one of the side tables, and reached for skirt, reaching up it to reveal a small bottle of plum wine. Something that she normally reserved for herself, she decided it would be better in his hands, and thus, put it on the table next to his bed, and walked daintily out of the room, without so much as a single word spoken, although, she accidentally bumped into Sun Li, on the way out.
The Ploy Against Song
Lady Wu had a slightly sad expression on her face, but due to all of those that badgered him at the current, he could do nothing. Taking some of the prescribed tea, by Hua Tuo, he sighed heavily, as someone made comment on how this battle would turn out, and what may possibly happen because of it. Dismissing him, a gentle voice was cast over him. Yet again, Lady Wu. She had been getting notably anxious these past few days... it sometimes made him wonder..
"We shall see. I await my son, yet, ever as always, though his delay does concern me at times."
In truth, he himself had been getting anxious. So very anxious... he almost teetered himself back onto his throne. His desire. His sick, twisted desires... no. He had put that behind him. He was a stronger man now, yes. He was doing this for the good of the Han, yes. The words spoken to him by the multitudes of ongoing reports just went over his head, as his eyes switched from one rambling face to another. In the background could be seen the more respect politicians, as ever, except... he was missing.
A salute hail was heard from the outside. The doors burst open, Huang Gai trudging in, rather painfully. It had begun..
Huang Gai: "My lord! My lord! He's dead! Minister Shou Young of Foreign Affairs is dead!"
Hushed reprisals were heard, as a pathway was made for the huge, hulking man, as he threw himself down at the ground, before the throne. Yuan Shu at once stood up.
"What the devil do you mean? Answer me!"
Taking a large stride to Huang Gai, Yuan Shu's eyes blazing, grasped onto Huang Gai's shoulders, and raised him up, forcefully, his right arm's gauntlet slightly bruising Huang Gai's left shoulder, making him wince, as he was let go soon afterwords.
Huang Gai: "... Ah.. ach... My lord... Minister Shou Young... was killed by a Taoist's poison. Song made. Our doctors found some left over residue around his mouth. He... he died peacefully..."
Yuan Shu stood there for a moment, dazed, stunned. Who could kill such a man? A tear began welling up in both his eyes, and he blinked forcefully, and stared daggers into the crowd before him.
"The Kingdom of Song... has gone... too far. This is an act of disrespect... no. This is an act of WAR. Shou Young was fond of Song. How dare they kill such a man...!?"
His head swivled around, pleadingly, his fists clenched, as he bit his tongue, the drops falling in monotonous patterns of one on the left, for every two on the right. Shou Young... was a long-time friend, ever since his childhood... this was... just evil. All the ministers and politicians could do nothing, and looked at each other, murmurs of shock.
Shou Young was not only the greatest minister that Cheng ever had, he was known widely throughout Song as one who always tried to establish peace between their kingdoms. This... was a terrible travesty.
"...Minister Huan Ru. Report this to the people. Shou Young was a man of unmatched kindness... the people must mourn for his passing. It is only right."
Blinking away the tears, Huang Gai's own also falling on the floor, watched as Huang Gai turned away, to walk slowly out the door, the other ministers looking worriedly, others also crying, others mourning. Huan Ru bowed, and quickly rushed out, following Huang Gai, pestering him for more details.
Forgive me, Shou Young, but enacting the oath. You of all people did not deserve to die. But, you of all people, were of the most important to die... you have helped further my plans more then anyone... anyone else I have ever known...
And as he clasped his hands over his face, a sick smile began to spread, hidden in what seemed to be true mourning, to what in reality was stunted cackling. The first step had been completed. The beginning of a war had flickered into life.
An Old Man's Mourning
A huge fist slammed into the nearby inn's walls, digging in further, as the blood began to steadily trickle out. It slammed into it again, and again, and again, constant crying, teeth seething, frustrations coming out in the form of a foaming mouth.
Huang Gai: "DAMMIT OLD MAN! DAMMIT!"
He punched harder. He would break his hand at this rate. Again and again, until he heard his blood crunch, and then, collapsing backwards, onto the crate behind him in this dismal alley, he wailed out, into the sky. This veteren, this man, who had lived out his life in loyalty... now began to question the extremity of the measures that Yuan Shu would take to accomplish his goals.
It was said, that on this day, a lion roared in Jian Ye, and died in the same breath.
Betrayal of the Two Kingdoms: Orchestrated
How could... how could he? He muttered this to himself as walked to the palace doors. Immediatly recognizing him, even with his hand cupping his face in deep thought, the guards opened the door for him, allowing for him to walk straight in, without interruption. The politicians, for once, were in a silence, even before he had arrived. Yuan Shu was standing, his eyes red, a visible stream of a drying up weeping on his cheek.
A path to the throne was already cleared. Oh God... phase one had already been completed. Dammit... Shou Young was such... such a good man. AH.. His face contorted, at this realization, deep-seated anger. How could he? His father, who took to kindness, adopted him, how could he kill his best friend, just to declare a d**n stupid war against someone who doesn't even deserve it!? d**n it! This was... so confusing, yes, so very confusing for Jin Long.
Slow steps were taken.
Every step took a year.
Shou Young was dead.
Song, the Taoists who were trying to reform themselves... traitors.
Ma Chao, the man who had fought so bravely, who honored his once-bandit father... a traitor.
SINS! SO MANY SINS!
He dropped to the ground, cradeling himself as he did. Yuan Shu however, looked at him expectantly. The Duke of Cheng took a few steps to him, and put his hand on his son's shoulder. A copy of the edict slipped out of his robe's arm-sleeve. Yuan Shu noticed this, with the raise of his left brow, and Jin Long quickly picked it up.
"Arise, Jin Long... what is it you have to report?"
"Qiang and Song... have both been declared... traitors of the Han."
Quote:TREASON OF THE TWO KINGDOMS
An edict written by Jia Xu
Gravely Approved by Emperor Xian
" 'Tis upon such a horrible day that my lord, the Emperor of the Han, the leader of the Chinese people, agree and agree with me that though terrible it must be, Qiang and Song must be declared traitors of the Han, traitors of the Chinese people. I had secretly wished that he would not say so... for 'tis now that the men and women of China will be diversified into two forces, children wailing in complaint of 'why they can't play' with another child from the other side.
No, I do not write this lightly, I do not write this with an easy heart. My heart is heavy, and weighed down, for I, a foreigner to China, still appreciate the people as a whole, and it tears me to see now that a country-wide war must now take place. But, crimes can never go unpunished, no matter how glorious a person is, for 'tis in accepting these punishments that these men can accept again the rule of the Han, and defend what rightfully rules for the people, a dynasty that has, for so many generations, served us well, and kept our country's pride strong and firm.
It is with haste that treason must be done away, so as to avoid another incident what is now known as the terrible "Era of the Warring States". These are the crimes, according to the kingdoms affliction: "
QIANG:
-Ma Chao is indeed a noble man. His forces fought bravely, defending the eastern ramparts, for the most part, all of their men in the terrible battle against the Barbaric Xiongnu rebels. Such a mighty man, with a great, terrible power, but is noted, particularly by onlookers of the female gender to be "Very Handsome", and "A Man Who Was Loyal, And Thus Served Loyally". It was him, of all people that I had never dreamed of such an act of treason against the Han.
-It is irrelevent, but, his father, Ma Teng, was a man who once fought against the Han, but, redeemed himself, and again, fought for the Han. Yet, always with black blood, it is a hard thing to strain out of one's heritage, even when piled with deeds of good.
-It is also slightly irrelevent that this must be noted, but, as he is an officer of the Han, Jia Xu's soft assumptions that Ma Chao was to not be trusted have apparently proven true.
-Several days ago, Cheng Pu, the Grand Commander of Cheng, was sent on a diplomatic mission to purchase Xu Chang, so as to unify the province of Yu, and stop the riots that occured there, for the people wanting a unification of their lands. Understanding the battle that it took to get this land, Cheng Pu, under the white flag of Diplomacy, went directly to the city of Xi Liang, and was prepared to offer a sizeable sum of money to not only purchase this land, but to take care of all of its problems. In a suprising outrage, it is said that Ma Chao, insulted, instead of simply declining, took to madness and arrested a man under the law of diplomatic protection.
-This diplomatic law of protection, which was drawn up by the forefather's of the Han, has been completely violated, and such a wild act almost seems impossible to come from this man. As it is thus, the following can only be concluded:
-Ma Chao, the Dragon of Qiang, is wanted Dead or Alive.
SONG:
-So too must the faith of loyal Taoists to the Han also must falter.
-In the battle of defense of Luo Yang, the capital of the Han, these... so called 'loyalists' sent no one.
-Indeed, the only thing of notice is that Reaper, alone, and with little numbers, came in to defend Cheng. Question of this officer's loyalty to the higher calling is not in doubt, but as for the vast majority of his compatriots, the puzzle has remained.
-It is an insult, that these Taoists, this firmly established Taoist kingdom, with the largest army to march across the lands, could not send more then one small unit of men to defend the Emperor of China himself. The terminilogy I shall use for this? "BLASPHEMY!"
-For too long have the Taoists always been in the roots of suspicion, ever since the Yellow Turban Leader, Zhang Jiao, began a huge rebellion that comprised with many of those in China, forcing those who's loyalty remained strong, to slay our fellow countrymen... a waste of good Chinese men.
-Never shall we forget the dark past of the Taoists, for 'tis their charasmatic power to draw legions of men and disrupt the economy of our country, and soon afterwords, even in their "great leader's" demise, the country fell into a backlash, and fell into a dark time known to us as "The Era of the Warring States".
-It has long been rumored that the forces of Song have been mounting their forces, to take this oppurtunity to strike against the loyalist faction known to us as "Cheng". There is little confirmation, but, from the actions of their kingdom, and sending of only one officer, their insult and sins against the Dynasty of the Han now blemish a once recovering minority's mark of loyalty.
-As it is with most Taoists, they are of a peaceful type, relying on their charisma to get out of the toughest situations, whipping those around them into a fighting frenzy. Sima Hui, a more notably docile man then Ma Chao, should be taken into custody, alive, for questioning.
* * * * * * * * *
As once said before, I do not write this easily. There are deeds of good and evil in all men, but, in insurance of the sanctity of the people of the Han, it is hereby ordered that all loyal factions of the Han take these head figures into custody, more hopefully alive then not, but in the case of Ma Chao, we shall take what we can get.
Written in honor of the Emperor,
(Seal of Approval)
Jia Xu
Approved by his graces,
(Seal of the Emperor)
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty
There was silence for a moment, after Jin Long finished reading it. A cry of disgust came from Yuan Shu's throat, as he spat on the ground, and unsheathed his sword into his right hand, and swung it around wildly, the politicians and ministers backing away from his maddened frenzy, which ended abruptly, as Yuan Shu quickly sheathed the Sword of Heaven again into its scabbard. In an almost eerie like fashion, he was quiet.
...
"Then, there is no more doubt in my mind. The Songians have slain Shou Young, and for that, retribution must be made. Jin Long. Take a hundred men, a white flag, and take this scroll with you."
Slowly rolling up something as he walked around for a bit, there was a note of a red ribbon on it, sealing the scroll.
"That scroll... holds a declaration of war. Maximus's actions are of no consequence, but will not be forgiven, nonetheless. We will declare honorable war on them, though unworthy traitors they may be. Take a day to rest, then, leave, my son."
Bowing slightly, there was a dry feel in his eyes, but he couldn't blink... he was looking very hard into Yuan Shu's eyes, who, although similarly pink from his recent mourning, was more a wholesome pink..
"Very well... father."
He bowed to Yuan Shu, taking the scroll as he did. Walking out, he had learned something new from his lord... his... 'adopted father'. His battle-weary body would at least be given the courtesy to rest, and shed such cumbersome armor as the Han had designed for the Xiongnu battle. There was a crack that ran along his armor's back, and the light-purple color was fading into rust.
The steps were not lightly taken, but were quiet nonetheless. Yuan Shu's sight of Jin Long faded, as the doors slowly spaced closer and closer to each other, until finally, the light coming from the doors ceased, and the fruitful ravens on the outside stopped singing.
As with so many other cliches... there is only one way to say what has simply happened on that day.
It had... begun.
Jin Long has been sent to Cheng Du!
A declaration of war is being sent to Cheng Du!
Minister Shou Young of Foreign Affair's murder has been falsely accused to be of Song's!
A Ruler's Day
Some interesting s'matters were going on today, it would seem.
Reaper's lieutenant was indeed a precarious and a gentle man. Yuan Shu's own eyes travelled across the room, tracking him, as he heaved up Reaper on his shoulder. He nodded, making notes of the politician's speculations on the upcoming wars, how it would go, and the effect on the people of having an officer of Song, an enemy to the kingdom, would be delt with by the people. Of some disturbances, of course, was the fact that an assassin was around. All of this was far from his mind, as he readjusted his seating on the throne chair. The lieutenant had come back and bowed to him.
The words of this man was sound, and Yuan Shu nodded in turn. Actually, he went to the lieutenant, and put both hands on the shoulders, of the man, raising him up from the ground, looking at him, him, no, looking beyond him.
"Reaper's deeds to the aid of Cheng's Master Strategist, BX, will never be forgotten. As the news of assassins raise, as they always do in the times before the lands clash, assuage any doubts that any harm will come upon your lord this night."
His neck snapped to the left, to one of the guards. There was a look of command in his eyes, as he barked orders to the man.
"Assemble a team of ten conscripts and two hunters to guard Sir Reaper's bedding! Only officers of our kingdom may enter, and even then, it is to be kept at a discretion. Go!"
The look in his eyes disappeared, and his eyes softened, as he looked back to the lieutenant. He clucked his tongue a little, as he popped his hands off the man's shoulder plating, and nodded.
"Though my disposition to Song as a whole may not be what it may used to have been, I still know when debts must be paid, when friends are to be found in enemies, and of course, the honor of men. Your forces, for whatever may remain, may take refuge in this city tonight, for your deeds with the Xiongnu."
Manners and kindness.
Some things were more effective then a thousand words... conflict could be avoided, wars could be prevented... yes. Such was the influences of a politician, a leader.
Again bowing, he then went onto take care of other things.
Maids Tending to Reaper
While Reaper slept, one of the maids came in, patted down, of course, with a blush on her face by the newly assembled conscript/hunter guards, before slapping one of them in the face, and walking in. With a tray of alcohol, bandages, water, and towelettes, she patted Reaper's forehead, smoothing over the long hair out of it. It was rather warm... Quickly acting, she took one of the towelletes, and dipped it lightly into the basin of water, squeezed out the excess, and smoothed it out, as she put it on Reaper's forehead. Sitting on the bedside, she noted his handsome features, and blushed slightly, playing with some rather strange ideas in her head...
All of that was interrupted, with a thump at the door, to make note of how long she was taking. Dripping some of the alcohol onto some of the bandages, she tore them into bits, and put them on the more reddish cuts on Reaper, before cleaning up the wet mess she had made, spilling out the excess alcohol, using the second towellete to clean up the mess.
As she again, she took up the tray, she remembered something... she put the tray down on one of the side tables, and reached for skirt, reaching up it to reveal a small bottle of plum wine. Something that she normally reserved for herself, she decided it would be better in his hands, and thus, put it on the table next to his bed, and walked daintily out of the room, without so much as a single word spoken, although, she accidentally bumped into Sun Li, on the way out.
The Ploy Against Song
Lady Wu had a slightly sad expression on her face, but due to all of those that badgered him at the current, he could do nothing. Taking some of the prescribed tea, by Hua Tuo, he sighed heavily, as someone made comment on how this battle would turn out, and what may possibly happen because of it. Dismissing him, a gentle voice was cast over him. Yet again, Lady Wu. She had been getting notably anxious these past few days... it sometimes made him wonder..
"We shall see. I await my son, yet, ever as always, though his delay does concern me at times."
In truth, he himself had been getting anxious. So very anxious... he almost teetered himself back onto his throne. His desire. His sick, twisted desires... no. He had put that behind him. He was a stronger man now, yes. He was doing this for the good of the Han, yes. The words spoken to him by the multitudes of ongoing reports just went over his head, as his eyes switched from one rambling face to another. In the background could be seen the more respect politicians, as ever, except... he was missing.
A salute hail was heard from the outside. The doors burst open, Huang Gai trudging in, rather painfully. It had begun..
Huang Gai: "My lord! My lord! He's dead! Minister Shou Young of Foreign Affairs is dead!"
Hushed reprisals were heard, as a pathway was made for the huge, hulking man, as he threw himself down at the ground, before the throne. Yuan Shu at once stood up.
"What the devil do you mean? Answer me!"
Taking a large stride to Huang Gai, Yuan Shu's eyes blazing, grasped onto Huang Gai's shoulders, and raised him up, forcefully, his right arm's gauntlet slightly bruising Huang Gai's left shoulder, making him wince, as he was let go soon afterwords.
Huang Gai: "... Ah.. ach... My lord... Minister Shou Young... was killed by a Taoist's poison. Song made. Our doctors found some left over residue around his mouth. He... he died peacefully..."
Yuan Shu stood there for a moment, dazed, stunned. Who could kill such a man? A tear began welling up in both his eyes, and he blinked forcefully, and stared daggers into the crowd before him.
"The Kingdom of Song... has gone... too far. This is an act of disrespect... no. This is an act of WAR. Shou Young was fond of Song. How dare they kill such a man...!?"
His head swivled around, pleadingly, his fists clenched, as he bit his tongue, the drops falling in monotonous patterns of one on the left, for every two on the right. Shou Young... was a long-time friend, ever since his childhood... this was... just evil. All the ministers and politicians could do nothing, and looked at each other, murmurs of shock.
Shou Young was not only the greatest minister that Cheng ever had, he was known widely throughout Song as one who always tried to establish peace between their kingdoms. This... was a terrible travesty.
"...Minister Huan Ru. Report this to the people. Shou Young was a man of unmatched kindness... the people must mourn for his passing. It is only right."
Blinking away the tears, Huang Gai's own also falling on the floor, watched as Huang Gai turned away, to walk slowly out the door, the other ministers looking worriedly, others also crying, others mourning. Huan Ru bowed, and quickly rushed out, following Huang Gai, pestering him for more details.
Forgive me, Shou Young, but enacting the oath. You of all people did not deserve to die. But, you of all people, were of the most important to die... you have helped further my plans more then anyone... anyone else I have ever known...
And as he clasped his hands over his face, a sick smile began to spread, hidden in what seemed to be true mourning, to what in reality was stunted cackling. The first step had been completed. The beginning of a war had flickered into life.
An Old Man's Mourning
A huge fist slammed into the nearby inn's walls, digging in further, as the blood began to steadily trickle out. It slammed into it again, and again, and again, constant crying, teeth seething, frustrations coming out in the form of a foaming mouth.
Huang Gai: "DAMMIT OLD MAN! DAMMIT!"
He punched harder. He would break his hand at this rate. Again and again, until he heard his blood crunch, and then, collapsing backwards, onto the crate behind him in this dismal alley, he wailed out, into the sky. This veteren, this man, who had lived out his life in loyalty... now began to question the extremity of the measures that Yuan Shu would take to accomplish his goals.
It was said, that on this day, a lion roared in Jian Ye, and died in the same breath.
Betrayal of the Two Kingdoms: Orchestrated
How could... how could he? He muttered this to himself as walked to the palace doors. Immediatly recognizing him, even with his hand cupping his face in deep thought, the guards opened the door for him, allowing for him to walk straight in, without interruption. The politicians, for once, were in a silence, even before he had arrived. Yuan Shu was standing, his eyes red, a visible stream of a drying up weeping on his cheek.
A path to the throne was already cleared. Oh God... phase one had already been completed. Dammit... Shou Young was such... such a good man. AH.. His face contorted, at this realization, deep-seated anger. How could he? His father, who took to kindness, adopted him, how could he kill his best friend, just to declare a d**n stupid war against someone who doesn't even deserve it!? d**n it! This was... so confusing, yes, so very confusing for Jin Long.
Slow steps were taken.
Every step took a year.
Shou Young was dead.
Song, the Taoists who were trying to reform themselves... traitors.
Ma Chao, the man who had fought so bravely, who honored his once-bandit father... a traitor.
SINS! SO MANY SINS!
He dropped to the ground, cradeling himself as he did. Yuan Shu however, looked at him expectantly. The Duke of Cheng took a few steps to him, and put his hand on his son's shoulder. A copy of the edict slipped out of his robe's arm-sleeve. Yuan Shu noticed this, with the raise of his left brow, and Jin Long quickly picked it up.
"Arise, Jin Long... what is it you have to report?"
"Qiang and Song... have both been declared... traitors of the Han."
Quote:TREASON OF THE TWO KINGDOMS
An edict written by Jia Xu
Gravely Approved by Emperor Xian
" 'Tis upon such a horrible day that my lord, the Emperor of the Han, the leader of the Chinese people, agree and agree with me that though terrible it must be, Qiang and Song must be declared traitors of the Han, traitors of the Chinese people. I had secretly wished that he would not say so... for 'tis now that the men and women of China will be diversified into two forces, children wailing in complaint of 'why they can't play' with another child from the other side.
No, I do not write this lightly, I do not write this with an easy heart. My heart is heavy, and weighed down, for I, a foreigner to China, still appreciate the people as a whole, and it tears me to see now that a country-wide war must now take place. But, crimes can never go unpunished, no matter how glorious a person is, for 'tis in accepting these punishments that these men can accept again the rule of the Han, and defend what rightfully rules for the people, a dynasty that has, for so many generations, served us well, and kept our country's pride strong and firm.
It is with haste that treason must be done away, so as to avoid another incident what is now known as the terrible "Era of the Warring States". These are the crimes, according to the kingdoms affliction: "
QIANG:
-Ma Chao is indeed a noble man. His forces fought bravely, defending the eastern ramparts, for the most part, all of their men in the terrible battle against the Barbaric Xiongnu rebels. Such a mighty man, with a great, terrible power, but is noted, particularly by onlookers of the female gender to be "Very Handsome", and "A Man Who Was Loyal, And Thus Served Loyally". It was him, of all people that I had never dreamed of such an act of treason against the Han.
-It is irrelevent, but, his father, Ma Teng, was a man who once fought against the Han, but, redeemed himself, and again, fought for the Han. Yet, always with black blood, it is a hard thing to strain out of one's heritage, even when piled with deeds of good.
-It is also slightly irrelevent that this must be noted, but, as he is an officer of the Han, Jia Xu's soft assumptions that Ma Chao was to not be trusted have apparently proven true.
-Several days ago, Cheng Pu, the Grand Commander of Cheng, was sent on a diplomatic mission to purchase Xu Chang, so as to unify the province of Yu, and stop the riots that occured there, for the people wanting a unification of their lands. Understanding the battle that it took to get this land, Cheng Pu, under the white flag of Diplomacy, went directly to the city of Xi Liang, and was prepared to offer a sizeable sum of money to not only purchase this land, but to take care of all of its problems. In a suprising outrage, it is said that Ma Chao, insulted, instead of simply declining, took to madness and arrested a man under the law of diplomatic protection.
-This diplomatic law of protection, which was drawn up by the forefather's of the Han, has been completely violated, and such a wild act almost seems impossible to come from this man. As it is thus, the following can only be concluded:
-Ma Chao, the Dragon of Qiang, is wanted Dead or Alive.
SONG:
-So too must the faith of loyal Taoists to the Han also must falter.
-In the battle of defense of Luo Yang, the capital of the Han, these... so called 'loyalists' sent no one.
-Indeed, the only thing of notice is that Reaper, alone, and with little numbers, came in to defend Cheng. Question of this officer's loyalty to the higher calling is not in doubt, but as for the vast majority of his compatriots, the puzzle has remained.
-It is an insult, that these Taoists, this firmly established Taoist kingdom, with the largest army to march across the lands, could not send more then one small unit of men to defend the Emperor of China himself. The terminilogy I shall use for this? "BLASPHEMY!"
-For too long have the Taoists always been in the roots of suspicion, ever since the Yellow Turban Leader, Zhang Jiao, began a huge rebellion that comprised with many of those in China, forcing those who's loyalty remained strong, to slay our fellow countrymen... a waste of good Chinese men.
-Never shall we forget the dark past of the Taoists, for 'tis their charasmatic power to draw legions of men and disrupt the economy of our country, and soon afterwords, even in their "great leader's" demise, the country fell into a backlash, and fell into a dark time known to us as "The Era of the Warring States".
-It has long been rumored that the forces of Song have been mounting their forces, to take this oppurtunity to strike against the loyalist faction known to us as "Cheng". There is little confirmation, but, from the actions of their kingdom, and sending of only one officer, their insult and sins against the Dynasty of the Han now blemish a once recovering minority's mark of loyalty.
-As it is with most Taoists, they are of a peaceful type, relying on their charisma to get out of the toughest situations, whipping those around them into a fighting frenzy. Sima Hui, a more notably docile man then Ma Chao, should be taken into custody, alive, for questioning.
* * * * * * * * *
As once said before, I do not write this easily. There are deeds of good and evil in all men, but, in insurance of the sanctity of the people of the Han, it is hereby ordered that all loyal factions of the Han take these head figures into custody, more hopefully alive then not, but in the case of Ma Chao, we shall take what we can get.
Written in honor of the Emperor,
(Seal of Approval)
Jia Xu
Approved by his graces,
(Seal of the Emperor)
Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty
There was silence for a moment, after Jin Long finished reading it. A cry of disgust came from Yuan Shu's throat, as he spat on the ground, and unsheathed his sword into his right hand, and swung it around wildly, the politicians and ministers backing away from his maddened frenzy, which ended abruptly, as Yuan Shu quickly sheathed the Sword of Heaven again into its scabbard. In an almost eerie like fashion, he was quiet.
...
"Then, there is no more doubt in my mind. The Songians have slain Shou Young, and for that, retribution must be made. Jin Long. Take a hundred men, a white flag, and take this scroll with you."
Slowly rolling up something as he walked around for a bit, there was a note of a red ribbon on it, sealing the scroll.
"That scroll... holds a declaration of war. Maximus's actions are of no consequence, but will not be forgiven, nonetheless. We will declare honorable war on them, though unworthy traitors they may be. Take a day to rest, then, leave, my son."
Bowing slightly, there was a dry feel in his eyes, but he couldn't blink... he was looking very hard into Yuan Shu's eyes, who, although similarly pink from his recent mourning, was more a wholesome pink..
"Very well... father."
He bowed to Yuan Shu, taking the scroll as he did. Walking out, he had learned something new from his lord... his... 'adopted father'. His battle-weary body would at least be given the courtesy to rest, and shed such cumbersome armor as the Han had designed for the Xiongnu battle. There was a crack that ran along his armor's back, and the light-purple color was fading into rust.
The steps were not lightly taken, but were quiet nonetheless. Yuan Shu's sight of Jin Long faded, as the doors slowly spaced closer and closer to each other, until finally, the light coming from the doors ceased, and the fruitful ravens on the outside stopped singing.
As with so many other cliches... there is only one way to say what has simply happened on that day.
It had... begun.
Jin Long has been sent to Cheng Du!
A declaration of war is being sent to Cheng Du!
Minister Shou Young of Foreign Affair's murder has been falsely accused to be of Song's!