Cao Pi
King of Wei
Emperor of China
Posts: 233
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Post by Cao Pi on Jun 23, 2009 9:57:39 GMT -5
The Palace is situated within the central plaza of the city. Great pillars and walls adorn each side as a ramp waves through the first courtyard into the main city’s hall. Ahead of the hall is the second gate, where a barracks and a stable lean off on both sides. Beyond that is the main entrance to the palace, where guards are stationed on all sides leading into the inner throne room. There the respective governor or prefect resides, perched against the great golden throne of the cities constituency.
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Post by Jiang Shen on Jul 7, 2009 23:34:56 GMT -5
Here he was. This city was certainly very interesting and now he was here. His journey in China had been one that he would certainly remember for days in ages.
"Wow..." Although living in Japan for most of his life, Jiang Shen, as he was named in his travels, the twenty-one year old had never seen such marvelous architecture back home. The majority of his wandering had been done in the mountains and had passed through few cities in his three years in China. The young man had taken to adapt to the language quite well, though it was now that he was on the search to follow through with his destiny... whatever that was.
As he knew it now, young Shen was to visit the palace. He figured if he had to start somewhere, it would be here.
"Escuse me..." he said on looking to one of the guards. He was in the outer courts and knew it to be protocol to ask for permission to speak to the reigning leader. In this case, he knew the name that was rumoured to be around and about the land he was in. "If possible, I would request to see Ba Zeng.. My name is Jiang Shen."
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Ba Zeng
Ruler of Zen
I am a Titan. I am a Monolith. Nothing can stop me.
Posts: 219
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Post by Ba Zeng on Jul 8, 2009 1:03:12 GMT -5
It was another beautiful day in mountainous Tian Shui. The city bustled with life. The people here were happy with Zen. And with their lord, the "King of Han Zhong", Ba Zeng. A King so comfortable with his people that the palace was actually open to the public. The luxuries of the pool, gardens, and court were visited often by various individuals.
Palace duty, however was not interrupted by the presence of the public. The innermost throne room, quarters, and official councils were only available upon request, and with good reason. Young Jiang Shen had asked permission to speak with the King of Zen.
"Absolutely sir, leave your weapons with us, and we will escort you to the throne room. Lord Zeng has designated this part of the day to deal with domestic affairs, so he should not be busy."
In accordance to the King's safety, Jiang Shen was briefly searched for weapons, and was asked to hand them over. He was then escorted by one guard, through a gate, and up the stairs to the main palace. The palace was surrounded by palace guards. Guards with more elaborate uniforms then city guards, and deadlier ji.
The guard lead Jiang Shen through a threshold, entering into the throne room. A huge hall, held up by pillars, and a second floor above it, a red carpet leading to the throne. Ba Zeng wasn't a King who liked the idea of slacking off on his throne all day. Even idly, he never sat on the elaborate throne presented to him, even once. There was sure to be a reason why.
As Jiang Shen approached Ba Zeng, he appeared to be busy talking to a man in scholar robes. At the perfect distance and timing however, the scholar ended his business with Ba Zeng, and the guard bowed at the waist, "Excuse me Lord Zeng,"
Ba Zeng was a man almost seen with the exact same attire, ever. The grey robes, with a grey sash at his waist. The robes looked rather old, but not so old enough to be called rags. These were the robes he had worn during the initial rebellion alongside Lu Chen in Tian Shui. The insignia of Zen, Zen written in black ink, encircled in a black circle, was printed on the chest area of the robes. On the left hand side of Ba Zeng.
It was practically common sense, if you were looking for Ba Zeng, you were looking for this insignia.
"This man, Jiang Shen, has requested to see you," The guard finished. He took a step backwards.
"Jiang Shen,"Ba Zeng spoke in a soft tone, "What may I help you with?"
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Post by Jiang Shen on Jul 8, 2009 14:26:34 GMT -5
Shen had followed procedure as told.
Before he knew it, the raven-haired warrior had been met by the castle guard... well, he looked like a royal. Nothing about the guard look liked any sort of regular warrior that he had seen outside on the lower floor.
Jiang Shen kept walking along until he was taken into the main chambers. Guards were along every corner of the wall and it had certainly been the first time he had ever seen a place so majestic. Not only was this place different from others, but from the way this guard was talking, Shen knew this man he was about to meet would be different from the others. The young man was slightly conscious of the fact that he had come a long way from the east, but this journey to the west was certainly one to change his life.
"Jiang Shen.. ." A young man was sitting on his thrown. Our warrior from the east was a little shocked to see that this man was no older than thirty at the most. He was soft spoken and wore the robes of tradition and valor. It was clear that this man was Ba Zeng. "What may I help you with?"
"I uh.... er..." Shen was a bit nervous and it would have been apparent as he tried to find something to do with his hands. But, on taking a breath and keeping his hands to his sides, he tried again. He bowed as he knew he was accustomed to doing then spoke in bravery. "My lord, I am Jiang Shen: A wanderer from the east. I seek a means to grow and learn more about the future that is this land... as well as where my place in it would be.
"In all honesty, I believe my journey begins here with you. As I've been told, your army is its own. In your service, perhaps I could learn more about my purpose in this great land."
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Ba Zeng
Ruler of Zen
I am a Titan. I am a Monolith. Nothing can stop me.
Posts: 219
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Post by Ba Zeng on Jul 8, 2009 15:25:48 GMT -5
Ba Zeng listened intently to Jiang Shen, a respect he would give anyone who sought a audience with him. Jiang Shen's nerves got the best of him as he stumbled across his first words.
Not many people could strike Ba Zeng's curiosity as Jiang Shen. He had wanted to peruse a military to learn more about himself, grow as a person. Where as most soldiers wanted glory, fame, gold. Jiang Shen was different. He was a wanderer from the east.
"Jiang Shen,"Ba Zeng began to speak as Jiang Shen stopped, "You say you want to learn your purpose through the military. Explore this 'great land'. Just exactly what is your story?"
Ba Zeng started to walk a few steps to the right, "Understandably, if I were to let someone serve me, I would want to know all about them. Wouldn't you if someone offered to be your vassal, Jiang Shen?"
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Post by Jiang Shen on Jul 9, 2009 0:30:12 GMT -5
"You say you want to learn your purpose through the military. Explore this 'great land'. Just exactly what is your story?"
Ba Zeng started to walk a few steps to the right, "Understandably, if I were to let someone serve me, I would want to know all about them. Wouldn't you if someone offered to be your vassal, Jiang Shen?"
The young man nodded and kept his courage. "Yes Sir. I'm mostly surprised I was able to see you in person after such protocol and my unfamiliar name.
"My name is Shenmue Takezo, I hail from a small village deep within the Japanese mountains of Ashigara. The name Jiang Shen was one given to me on spending some years in this land. It was a bit tough to fully learn this language, but I devoted myself into learning culture and as I continue to dwell in this land, I will learn more about what it takes to a great person and leader. You see, in my village, I am next kin to lead the Shenmue Clan. To put my learning into practice, it was decided for me to leave my home and settle here. I am discover my true self and the essence of the Shenmue Clan as I grow in service to a land unknown to me. As I sow my skills into the coming of a great nation, I will reap the benefit of wisdom, skill and persona of a man ready to lead my clan.
"And... this is where I believe I need to start. In service to a man whose name is synonymous with this land as a great leader. To gain wisdom from a man who is willing to put the needs of his people before himself. From my understanding, you are not a tyrant, nor are you unfair to your people. They respect you and that shows in result of works adorned and decorated in this city. You, Ba Zeng, are a model I wish to follow." The raven-haired man bowed slightly and kept his eyes towards the ground. He hoped he answered the question to the best of his ability and waited for a response from the King.
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Ba Zeng
Ruler of Zen
I am a Titan. I am a Monolith. Nothing can stop me.
Posts: 219
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Post by Ba Zeng on Jul 9, 2009 19:39:46 GMT -5
Ba Zeng clasped his hands behind his back, nodding, listening intently as Jiang Shen told his story. It was apparent that he was still very nervous. Yet the young man kept his composure. Ba Zeng was very impressed with what Jiang Shen had to say. A career in the military to gain the skills and wisdom needed to lead a nation. Well he couldn't have picked a better man to follow.
As Jiang Shen finished Ba Zeng took a few steps toward him.
"Your story Jiang Shen, is just beginning, in your time with Zen you will learn many things. Perhaps the best lesson you will learn is to not have any regrets about what you do. War isn't glamorous Shen. However if it's any consolidation, killing gets easier the more you do it."
A beat. Ba Zeng looked straight into Jiang Shen's eyes. It was a serious moment, then the feeling lifted.
"I don't normally do this, but since you are a up and coming leader of a Japanese clan, you are to become apart of my entourage in battle."
A door opened, it was located to the left of the throne. A minister in robes appeared, clasped his hands, bowed his head. He was rather old. "Lord Zeng, there is something that requires your attention."
Ba Zeng nodded, "Jiang Shen, if you are in need of accommodation, there is more then enough room in the palace for you to stay here. If you would excuse me."
Ba Zeng nodded his head and started towards the room from which the minister emerged from.
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Post by Jiang Shen on Jul 10, 2009 12:37:07 GMT -5
"Your story Jiang Shen, is just beginning, in your time with Zen you will learn many things. Perhaps the best lesson you will learn is to not have any regrets about what you do. War isn't glamorous Shen. However if it's any consolidation, killing gets easier the more you do it."
The young man swallowed hard as he remembered what his father told him about taking a life. The responsibility that was put on a man on doing so. Ba Zeng was right on saying what he did; war wasn't glamourous but Shen wondered if killing truly got easier along the way.
Then it happened. The ruler of Zen looked into the man's eyes. Jiang Shen kept his composure and looked deep into the soul of the man. His ambitions. His reasoning. With words, perhaps Shen would not be able to explain, but he knew from here he would be able to trust this man. And in those same respects, it seemed Ba Zeng had also trust him -- to a point.
Hearing that he was to be part of Zeng's entourage, the twenty-one year old tried to keep from smiling. It was a serious moment after all. Then a minister in robes appeared and said something to the King. Whether or not it had bearing on Shen would soon be found out.
"Jiang Shen, if you are in need of accommodation, there is more then enough room in the palace for you to stay here. If you would excuse me."
"Thank you, Sir." Was all Jiang Shen could muster as he bowed on seeing the man begin his walk towards his next meeting. With that said and done, the young man turned around and made his way out of the King's throne room. Not as a stranger, but as a Warrior of Zen.
'Jiang Shen, Warrior of Zen. Hm... it rhymes!' He thought to himself as he finally allowed for a smile to be on his face. He then set himself to task. The young man would tell his followers they could settle in this land. The land of Zen. They would apart of this new kingdom.
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Lu Su
Rebel Warrior
Posts: 19
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Post by Lu Su on Jul 10, 2009 16:08:37 GMT -5
Lu Su wandered through the city, quietly observing the people there. To be honest, he was surprised that this was the chosen home of Zen. He couldn't help but smile as a group of children ran past him laughing about one thing or another.
Still, it was time he turned his mind to a serious matter. He finally aimed his walk towards the palace. Again, he was surprised. It seemed that the people of the city were allowed to walk about the palace freely. Lu Su was quite impressed by this.
After a few moments of marveling at the luxuriousness, Lu Su sought out a soldier of the palace.
"Excuse me" he said softly. "May I speak with your lord? I have business I wish to discuss with him."
Lu Su tried his best to appear unassuming and harmless, which was not hard, cosidering he carried no weapons. he smiled pleasantly and waited for a response
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Ba Zeng
Ruler of Zen
I am a Titan. I am a Monolith. Nothing can stop me.
Posts: 219
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Post by Ba Zeng on Jul 10, 2009 17:37:00 GMT -5
The guard nodded to Lu Su in acknoledgement. He would let him see Lord Ba Zeng.
"I will let you see Lord Ba Zeng,"
However...
"However, you need to give us your name, sir."
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Lu Su
Rebel Warrior
Posts: 19
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Post by Lu Su on Jul 10, 2009 21:56:27 GMT -5
Lu Su chuckled a little. How forgetful of him! So far from his home, he had taken for granted he would be recognized.
"Ah, forgive my negligence. I am Lu Su, a merchant from Xu province."
He bowed an apology, and continued to smile politely.
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Ba Zeng
Ruler of Zen
I am a Titan. I am a Monolith. Nothing can stop me.
Posts: 219
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Post by Ba Zeng on Jul 10, 2009 23:09:36 GMT -5
"Lu Su..."
The palace guard repeated to himself, his Ji by his side. The guard turned around and opened the gates to the inner palace. In front of the were the stone steps leading up to the throne room. Palace guards, at least one hundred surrounded the palace. Their figures, appearing in between pillars that held up the 2nd floor of the palace.
The guard gestured with his left hand for the merchant to follow. With his Ji in his right hand, he started up the stone steps. As they reached the threshold of the grand hall, the large wood doors were spread wide open. Inside was the throne room. A huge, wide, hallway on either side pillars holding up a 2nd floor walkway. Red carpet lead the way to an empty throne. Every noe and then a minister would appear from a door, lining the walls of the grand hall. As the guard walked down the red carpet at a casual pace, he stopped one of these ministers, bowing his head before speaking,
"Excuse me sir, would you please inform Lord Ba Zeng that a merchant named 'Lu Su' is here to see him."
The merchant bowed back in respect, "Certainly." He walked off, in a different route then he was taking before, he entered another door.
The palace guard turned to Lu Su, who was undoubtedly behind him waiting. "If you would wait a moment sir."
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Lu Su
Rebel Warrior
Posts: 19
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Post by Lu Su on Jul 10, 2009 23:15:35 GMT -5
Lu Su, hearing his name in the distance, quickly rushed to the guard he had spoken to earlier. It seems he had become mesmerized by the palace, and let his mind, and eyes, wander from the task at hand."A thousand pardons, sir," he said as he approached. "The beauty of the palace sucked me in. What was that you were saying to me just now? You said wait a moment, correct" ((Oh yes, I went there. ))
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Ba Zeng
Ruler of Zen
I am a Titan. I am a Monolith. Nothing can stop me.
Posts: 219
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Post by Ba Zeng on Jul 10, 2009 23:29:09 GMT -5
"Yeah... Actually it was..."
The guard raised an eye brown. This man was certainly a strange one. A man like this might be described as, 'absent-minded'. One to lose his train of thought a lot.
He was probably stunned at how red the carpet was. That he didn't realize Ba Zeng was 3 feet away from him.
"Uhh, Lu Su? Was there something you wanted to discuss?"
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Lu Su
Rebel Warrior
Posts: 19
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Post by Lu Su on Jul 10, 2009 23:37:34 GMT -5
Lu Su was once again snapped back to reality. He bowed humbly to Ba Zeng.
"Lord Ba Zeng, forgive me," he said. "I've never seen such a red carpet in all my life. It is simply exquisite. But the business I bring i more imporntant than that. You see, I recently inherited my father's business. It has seen better days, however. I would like to extend my services, and my stores, to you, for the betterment of all the land."
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