Post by Lu Meng on Jun 27, 2009 13:00:18 GMT -5
Cao Zhang sighed as the army began to close in on Chang An, his former stronghold. He had been stationed there for quite some time, controlling the large northwestern force of Wei. They had taken Xi Liang and quelled many of the surrounding rebels, but eventually lost it due to a large counter-attack which saw the use of Qiang soldiers. Zhang was not in command there when it fell, but he did have the governor executed for his failure.
At the fore of the army was the Dragon Cavalry, as usual. Cao Chun carried his snake spear in one hand and the reins of his horse in the other. He too was looking toward the city of Chang An, remembering its splendor. Unfortunately, his hasty and stubborn nephew had changed their situation. Instead of living like kings at Chang An, as they were previously, Zhang moved upon Luo Yang and relinquished his command of the army along with the western territories. Maybe if they laid low for awhile, Cao Pi would forget the little situation at the palace and reinstate their positions.
"Ziwen, I would really appreciate it if you would pay more heed to my words next time."
Chun hoped there was no next time for what had happened recently, but he meant his statement in general toward any slightly complex situation. Zhang was not known for his intellect as much as his abilities to command and fight. Twas the reason that Fu Mao was assigned to him by Cao Cao, because Mengde knew that his son needed guidance. It was unfortunate that Mao became corrupt with thoughts of his own glory, trying to get Zhang to kill his brother and take the throne. Maybe a position as Prime Minister awaited him, if it actually happened which his now cold corspe was testiment that it did not.
"What did I say to you? I said we were going to Luo Yang to pay respects to the Emperor" the younger general said, urging his steed to move forward away from the ears of his men.
Chun glared at Zhang and shook his head. Paying respects to the Emperor by bringing 50,000 soldiers to the capital, then putting a spear to the ruler's neck, did not really make sense.
"Come now, do not fool with me. Why did you do it? Both of us could have been killed."
Zhang listened to the truth his uncle spoke of, but Chun was also not Pi's brother. Zhang knew him well and although he could be cruel he was also cunning. There was no way that the Emperor would throw aside such a skilled commander, especially when he was needed most. Rebellions were striking up all over the land like small sparks. Small sparks eventually turn into major fires.
"I wanted to kill multiple birds with one stone, uncle. Fu Mao had been hinting at a coup for quite some time and it was getting old. I would never turn against what my late father had fought so hard for or my family. His final test of loyalty came when we moved to Luo Yang. He repeatedly mentioned it again and actually thought that was what I was going to do" Zhang stated, moving his neck around to receive comfort. His helmet and armor were heavy and they had been riding for a long time.
"Mao was closer to getting us killed with his call for an assassination than I was. His time was up when he was foolish enough to do something like that. He was worthless, anyway."
Cao Chun did not agree that Fu Mao was totally worthless, but he kept his mouth shut not wanting to further anger his hot-headed relative. Zhang was not known for his self control and problems concerning rage were a definate issue. That attitude made him such a bold and courageous general, but charging into the thick of battle while leading was not usually the best move.
The army brought from Luo Yang was about 2000 men strong. Estimates on the rebel force to the west was roughly the same, though it was unclear currently if the bandits under Ryou Kin were in cahoots with other groups. If so, the Wei army could have a battle on their hands. Normally though, the skirmishes between imperial forces and bandits ended in decisive routes in favor of Wei.
They would be in Tian Shui the next day and scouting would begin to find the lowly forces of the Blood Bandits.
At the fore of the army was the Dragon Cavalry, as usual. Cao Chun carried his snake spear in one hand and the reins of his horse in the other. He too was looking toward the city of Chang An, remembering its splendor. Unfortunately, his hasty and stubborn nephew had changed their situation. Instead of living like kings at Chang An, as they were previously, Zhang moved upon Luo Yang and relinquished his command of the army along with the western territories. Maybe if they laid low for awhile, Cao Pi would forget the little situation at the palace and reinstate their positions.
"Ziwen, I would really appreciate it if you would pay more heed to my words next time."
Chun hoped there was no next time for what had happened recently, but he meant his statement in general toward any slightly complex situation. Zhang was not known for his intellect as much as his abilities to command and fight. Twas the reason that Fu Mao was assigned to him by Cao Cao, because Mengde knew that his son needed guidance. It was unfortunate that Mao became corrupt with thoughts of his own glory, trying to get Zhang to kill his brother and take the throne. Maybe a position as Prime Minister awaited him, if it actually happened which his now cold corspe was testiment that it did not.
"What did I say to you? I said we were going to Luo Yang to pay respects to the Emperor" the younger general said, urging his steed to move forward away from the ears of his men.
Chun glared at Zhang and shook his head. Paying respects to the Emperor by bringing 50,000 soldiers to the capital, then putting a spear to the ruler's neck, did not really make sense.
"Come now, do not fool with me. Why did you do it? Both of us could have been killed."
Zhang listened to the truth his uncle spoke of, but Chun was also not Pi's brother. Zhang knew him well and although he could be cruel he was also cunning. There was no way that the Emperor would throw aside such a skilled commander, especially when he was needed most. Rebellions were striking up all over the land like small sparks. Small sparks eventually turn into major fires.
"I wanted to kill multiple birds with one stone, uncle. Fu Mao had been hinting at a coup for quite some time and it was getting old. I would never turn against what my late father had fought so hard for or my family. His final test of loyalty came when we moved to Luo Yang. He repeatedly mentioned it again and actually thought that was what I was going to do" Zhang stated, moving his neck around to receive comfort. His helmet and armor were heavy and they had been riding for a long time.
"Mao was closer to getting us killed with his call for an assassination than I was. His time was up when he was foolish enough to do something like that. He was worthless, anyway."
Cao Chun did not agree that Fu Mao was totally worthless, but he kept his mouth shut not wanting to further anger his hot-headed relative. Zhang was not known for his self control and problems concerning rage were a definate issue. That attitude made him such a bold and courageous general, but charging into the thick of battle while leading was not usually the best move.
The army brought from Luo Yang was about 2000 men strong. Estimates on the rebel force to the west was roughly the same, though it was unclear currently if the bandits under Ryou Kin were in cahoots with other groups. If so, the Wei army could have a battle on their hands. Normally though, the skirmishes between imperial forces and bandits ended in decisive routes in favor of Wei.
They would be in Tian Shui the next day and scouting would begin to find the lowly forces of the Blood Bandits.