A Formal Invitation (Sun Quan)

[Li Ying]

For the purposes of convenience, I shall use Li Yang as a NPC. As he will be a major supporting character for Li Shimin and Li Ying. He isnt one of my major characters though, so feel free to do as you will with him

+ A formal invitation

Li Ying Simon
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

It was late morning in the realm of Dong Wu, some time after Sun Quan had returned to Jian Ye. Morning court had just finished and the ministers of Wu were just leaving the throne room, to go about their own duties. Or to return home to rest, many having their own affairs to manage. One man however stayed, his name was Li Yang. He was a farily ordinary looking man, not the sort you would pick out from a crowd. Just past his middle age with a short beard and his hair draw up in a well tended top knot. He had been serving the Sun family since they took control of Jiang Dong.  This morning he stay after court and bowed before lord Sun Quan.


"My young lord, it has been some time since we spoke. Now the plum trees at my estate have provided me with some excellent wine this year. if you have the time, i would like to invite you over so you might share my good fortune. My house hold would by honoured by your company." He said politely, always a excellent speaker. He was also good as humbling himself with the right people, as well as choosing his side. Which was why he had switched his allegiances when Sun Ce invaded Liu Yao.

Although they were in a secure building however they were not quite alone. In the next room, a young lady pushed here ear to the wall. Eaves dropping was another skill that Li Ying had picked up. In rich palaces like these the walls were often very thin. You could hear many wonderful things if you just knew where to stand. And how not to get caught. Li Ying smiled, she had been pressuring his father for months to invite lord Sun Quan over.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Simon]

[/b][/font] 539
tag(s): Li Yang
notes: Hope you like, nice intro
credits: Template by PerfectFallacy[/ul][/blockquote][/div]

a formal invitation

IT'S IN MY NATURE, I CAN'T HELP IT...

Ever since taking up the mantle of leadership, Sun Quan could not stress enough the importance of matters within, before being able to consider matters beyond their borders. To consider it by illustration, how can one build where one's foundation is not secure and when the future of the land was at stake, where there was much building for the people of Wu to do, it was of the paramount importance that the foundation of Jiangdong that Sun Ce had conquered was solid, both in time of war and time of peace. This was exactly why Sun Quan went on his tour.

The Battle at Chibi was only the beginning. It was foolhardy to believe that Wei would be deterred from conquering Wu, especially one as ambitious as Cao Cao. In his hand, he held the power of the Han and in the other, he held the sword to cut that which did not agree to him. The Sun family has been nothing but loyal, Sun Jian serving the Emperor in bringing an end to the Yellow Turban Rebellion and acting as vanguard in the Coalition against Dong Zhuo. Sun Ce also served the Han loyally as he opposed Yuan Shu when he was committing treason by proclaiming himself Emperor and assisting in the coalition against him. Sun Quan also took no action against the Han, yet Cao Cao pushed for an attack, his mandate clearly being his own.

It was troubling as far as the state of Han was concerned, but this was why the Sun wished to usher in a new era, granted already by Heaven itself when the imperial seal was found by his father and it was the seal that had helped Sun Ce establish Wu and now it was down to Sun Quan and his support to bring about this new land. With the tour proving to secure his mind as far as internal matters were concerned, in addition to this morning's court, it would not be long till it was time for Wu to make a move.

"My young lord...", his attention falling upon Li Yang who no doubt had additional business to address, "it has been some time since we spoke. Now the plum trees at my estate have provided me with some excellent wine this year. if you have the time, i would like to invite you over so you might share my good fortune. My house hold would by honoured by your company". Sun Quan considered the proposal carefully as not to respond too hastily, "It is a generous offer....", showing his appreciation with a nod, "...an offer...that I would be wrong to refuse", as his cheekbones raised slightly to give a smile, "Thank you Master Li...".

Though Sun Quan took matters seriously, he also took respecting his officers seriously also. It had been Master Li that has assisted his brothers' and his own administration in rebuilding their home of Jiangdong and his son, General Li Shimin was one of the brave sould that fought in the name of Wu at Chibi to defend all those that remained behind. Clearly the Li clan had done a great service, so the least Sun Quan could do was to honor them by accepting their invitation to dine with them.

[/div]

[Li Ying]

Li Yang's Estate

+ A formal invitation

Li Ying Simon
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

Li Yang bowed low, very pleased that lord Sun Quan had accepted his proposal. His lords good manner and kindness toward his subordinates was one of the reasons he had decided to serve first him and his elder brother. Some thought Sun Quan was the least the lords, compared to Liu Bei and Cao Cao, yet he did not agree. Cao Cao was brilliant, a better politician and commander than Sun Quan but.....he could not be trusted. They said he once pretended to be asleep then killed the attendant that woke up. Simply to make a point that he could kill people even while asleep. That showed how suspicious and un trusting he was even to his own officials. He was not a lord under who the Li clan could prosper. While Liu Bei set political and moral ideals so absurd even he could not follow them, certainly Li Yang could not. Compared to them Sun Quan was certainly less able but that was what made him a better lord to serve. He was smart enough to know he needed help and was generous to those of ability to served him. Both things which to Li Yang's mind, made him the perfect lord for the south land. "Ahh good, i shall prepare a small banquet then my lord. If you will give me an hour or so to prepare. We will be ready to receive you for lunch." Li Yang said making his way out of the palace. Then heading back to his estate to set things in place.


Pleased that her father had managed to convince Sun Quan, lady Li Ying also left the palace, heading home in the same carriage as her father. Once she arrived back home, she immediately when to change into her finest dress. Along with her golden tiara to set atop her head of dark hair. It would take her at least the rest of the hour to get ready. Li Yang meanwhile ordered his servants to prepare the terrace in front of his estate for Sun Quan. His servants had already been preparing food and wine since court start. Assuming that lord Sun Quan was likely to accept his invitation. Having laid out the banquet he went to greet his lord, and sent a servant to fetch lady Li Ying.

-Time skip until Sun Quan arrives

As Sun Quan approached his estate Li Yang has his servants threw open the main gates. He went out to greet his lord. "Young master, i am glad to welcome you to my humble abode." He said smoothly inviting his lord inside. His daughter was waiting at the table he had set, to serve her lord wine. "This is my daughter, lady Li Ying." He introduced her. Li Ying curtseyed beautifully smiling, as she greeted Sun Quan, trying to make him feel welcome.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Simon]

[/b][/font] 651
tag(s): Li Yang, Li Ying
notes: Hope this is okay
credits: Template by PerfectFallacy[/ul][/blockquote][/div]

a formal invitation

IT'S IN MY NATURE, I CAN'T HELP IT...

Sun Quan had much to be thankful for, despite the losses he has personally suffered and despite his own weaknesses, he did have the support of his men and the support of his family, both those around him and those that have passed. Sun Ce believed in him and Sun Jian believed in him, enough to proclaim that he would be the one to lead the family's future and such a proclaimation has proven to be true, though saddened by the fact that he led at a young age rather than being under Ce's guidance for longer. Even Sun Tzu, the Sun family's ancestor, reached out to him from beyond the grave in his words that 'You have to believe in yourself', such that he has been trying to do constantly.

It was not only belief in one self, but belief in others also. Some may see as a weakness to rely upon others, but it only upon joining each other's strengths in unity that evil can be conquered. Chibi being the perfect example of what unity and joining of strengths can accomplish, whilst in Jiangdong, the works of those in his administration had worked hard to ensure that their home prospered and prospered it has. Nevertheless as Sun Tzu also said, 'in peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace', promoting a state of readiness, both for its defence and both for its future.

The future may be uncertain, but with the aid of his officers, the future was bright, as Li Yang bowed down low to him in thanks, "Ahh good, i shall prepare a small banquet then my lord. If you will give me an hour or so to prepare. We will be ready to receive you for lunch", before departing to make the said preparations. With the chamber now empty, Sun Quan raised himself from his seat and left the chamber to get himself organised before he departed from the Palace.

--------

It was not a rare thing for Sun Quan to be invited to partake of a banquet, though he cast no blind eye to ulterior motives as he grew up within the court and understanding politics, whereas Sun Ce grew up to fight and understanding how to battle. Perhaps this is what his father meant by leading the family's future, for as soon as the war was over, there would be less of a great need for warriors such as his father and brother, yet the war was still on now and warriors were needed and such was why Quan often called upon his father's and brother's strength to help him.

In any case, his support remained and even in times of peace which Jiangdong had temporarily forged with their victory at Chibi, war was being prepared and the royal guards remaining vigilent after the assassination of Sun Ce, following behind Sun Quan as he journeyed to Master Li's estate. The estate was quite impressive, tranquil, as he approached the doors, listening to the sound of water beneath him as he crossed the bridge and saw Li Yang waiting for him to greet him, "Young master, i am glad to welcome you to my humble abode". Quan smiled, "As am I to be invited here to your home".

Accepting his hospitality, Quan followed behind Li Yang as he led him inside, to come to a table where the banquet had already been spread. "This is my daughter, lady Li Ying", looking to the female that Master Li had introduced him too as she have him a graceful curtsey to greet him. "It is a pleasure to meet you my Lady...", returning her smile with one of his own, before looking around and turning to Master Li, "is your son not joining us?", he enquired, seeing as he was invited to his household, restraining from seating until one was motioned for him. Afterall, Master Li was the host.

[/div]

[Li Ying]

+ A formal invitation

Li Ying Simon
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

As lord Sun Quan entered, lady Li Ying studied him carefully , both from her perspective as a women and as a professional assassin. He appeared fairly good looking to her, with a firm body and a clean shaven face. She could not stand men whose faces were like a torn bush. Yet she also noticed the weak spots in his clothes that she could pierce with a poison needle. Where his pulse beat in his neck, old habits they said died hard. She had no desire to harm him and yet...well it was good to keep in practise. "Your Lordship." She said smiling gently, as she guided him to the seat prepared for him. She had also set a seat for her father and one for her brother when he arrived. They were not expecting anyone else...that she knew of.

Li Yang sat down opposite his lord, which his back to the large fish pond. He flicked his robes to dismiss all the servants so they might be alone. "I am expecting Shimin to arrive shortly. I am told he is with general Huang Gai, he holds him in great esteem i am told." Li Yang informed his lord. It was not something he was very happy about. Huang Gai had once been an ally of his but their relationship had soured. It might have been better for him, had the war hero died at Chi Bi. "Ying, if you would serve us the wine." He asked his daughter. It were her place in Chinese society to serve men wine in situations like this. Especially when one was her father and the other the lord of Wu.


Li Ying turned around to pick up the wine jar. Little did the lord of Wu know, he was being served by probably the best poisoner in all the land. She wondered how he would react if he knew, as she smiled shyly at the idea. She moved over to the table and poured a cup for Sun Quan. "Please enjoy my lord." She said politely. Before going to pour her father a cup. Her father smiled probably thinking the same thing she was. His little girl certainly had some hidden talents. "To your good health my lord, let us toast to the bravy of Zhou Yu and all the armed forces of Wu." Li Yang suggested.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Simon]

[/b][/font] 755
tag(s): Li Yang, Li Ying
notes: Tried including Ying a lil' bit =]
credits: Template by PerfectFallacy[/ul][/blockquote][/div]

a formal invitation

IT'S IN MY NATURE, I CAN'T HELP IT...

It had been Sun Ce and those loyal to him that had made the conquest of Jiangdong possible. An incredible feat then ensued, as support was gathered for the return of the Sun clan, whilst Sun Ce leading a force of one thousand set out to pacify the region and gaining the allegiance of the region's inhabitants. Such a feat would no doubt go down in history, to be remembered for generations to come, in addition to his father's feat in defending the Changjiang from pirates. As war lingered in the air, it would soon be time to establish his own feat.

It was here in Jian Ye that the former Liu Yao administration had once ran its course. Minister Li was one of those who served in this administration, before putting his efforts to restoring Jiangdong in the name of the Sun family and has been doing so since. The accomplishments of Wu came not from a single man, as great a many from Wu that there are that have made such achievements possible, but a joint effort. Everyone had a task in which they succeeded, that they utilised for the benefit of Wu, which was why he took failure on that part seriously if one wishes to undermine the works of another.

His strength, as Sun Ce himself had told him, was to inspire others to do their best for the good of Wu. What better way for that to occur than on a personal level, taking in the surroundings of Minister Li's estate and greeting his daughter as she led him to his seat to prepare himself for the banquet that they prepared for him. It was certainly a kind and generous offer to share the good fortune that had come to his household, though the only one missing was General Li which brought about his question and Minister Li's answer, "I am expecting Shimin to arrive shortly", which certainly sounded opportune indeed with his participation at Chibi which he no doubt played quite the part in destroying Cao Cao's ambition.

"I am told he is with general Huang Gai, he holds him in great esteem i am told", as Minister Li explained his whereabouts. No explanation was of course needed, but it certainly perked him up to hear of Huang Gai. "I believe many.....hold General Huang Gai in high regard...", which also included himself, "...a great service over the many years...a great service I also see your son performing...You must be proud", smiling. Afterall, it was per the saying that if one hangs around with the wise then one becomes wise, so using this same notion, General Li no doubt aspires to be as committed and brave as General Huang Gai and that was truly inspirational to hear for the future of Wu, such that rested on the young.

As the call for wine was given, Li Ying came over to pour the wine into his coup. Sun Quan was quite fond of wine and the taste that came from it, a taste that he was very much looking forward to from the way Minister Li presented his case of its richness. "Please enjoy my lord", her manners not going amiss, "Thank you, I believe I shall...From what your father tells me, you have had...quite the fortune as of late", considering his words as he turned the cup within his hand, before Minister Li suggested a toast, "To your good health my lord, let us toast to the bravery of Zhou Yu and all the armed forces of Wu".

Raising his cup, "Hear Hear..", Sun Quan smiled, "and not forgetting those....who have worked hard off the field, to bringing about Wu's victory that we can celebrate today.....to Wu!". Now lowering his cup to partake of the wine's richness, to delight in its sweetness. "Truly wonderful...", allowing the taste to linger in his mouth as he turned now to Li Ying, "Please, there is no need to stand on ceremony. I may be a guest, but a guest here in your home, partaking of your riches which I cannot so fully enjoy if it denies another". It was not that he was suggesting her not to fulfil her duty to serve, but merely to enjoy this period of reward also and such that could hardly be refused if the situation affects their guest. Sun Quan may not be strong as Ce in war but he was strong in mind to deal with the politics of court and the running of the administration.

[/div]

[Li Ying]

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Simon OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

In the main wing of the estate.

It was an unspoken rule that no one in the household was allowed to go inside lady Li Ying's room uninvited. Not only because it was rude and unseemly, but because it was also very dangerous. This was where she mixed the various plant and animal compounds to make the poisons she used in her...art. Often she did not have time to finish and some of these were left where anyone could touch them. She really needed an assistant to help her but...her father did not want to risk involving more people than was necessary. So the servants were simply told to...keep out of her room. However with Sun Quan's visit, the senior servants had all been bussy leaving a new young maid, who had only worked for Li Yang for a week, on cleaning duties. Not knowing of the dangers, she opened Li Ying's room and went inside to clean. Another of the house hold servants seeing lady Ying's room open came to check and found her body minutes later, still warm on the floor. She was already dead...the servant screamed at the top of her lungs. Someone rushed to informed Li Yang of this tragedy.

Li Yang smiled, things seemed to be going quite well so far with his lord. Sun Quan was quite a reasonable man it seemed, maybe he would be able to work something out after all. If he could just convince Sun Quan to marry his daughter, well then his worries for the future would dissolve. His family would rule the south land one way or the other, but this would be far easier. If only he could get Sun Quan to notice his daughter a little bit more. He had told the girl to dress attractively for Sun Quan, so he held out high hopes yet. So far plan his plan was going according to script. He intended to suggest that lord Sun Quan take Li Ying as a concubine in the hopes he might take to her. This would give his daughter a lot more access to the palace and him far greater influence. What his daughter wanted really was no important in this situation, even if she did not like Sun Quan. he had of course not yet asked. His children were to him more than his legacy, they were his tools to use to further his own ambitions. He knew what was best for them, after all he was their father. If Li Ying became Sun Quan concubine she might stand to be empress one day. Which he reasoned would make him the Emperor's father, a very enviable position.

"My son has always been one to exceed expectations. I have never been much of a warrior my lord or a commander. The most i can do for Wu is to advise you. I have high hopes that he might leave behind an even greater legacy than i one day." Li Yang said, and it was for the most part true. His son was not only a skilled warrior he was able to think tactically in a way Li Yang had never been gifted at. If he could only teach his son politics now, he might one day make something of himself. Assuming he survived of course, war's were both a good place to earn fame as well as to find your own death. He considered his son the more high risk venture for his family but the rewards might be great. Xiang Yu of the past had been a great man much like his son and he had nearly conquered the entire realm.

Li Ying refilled first her father then lord Sun Quan's cups, serving only as wine bearer today. As a women she would not drink unless invited to do so. She appeared to be a very humble and innocent girl, which of course was what her father wanted her to appear. If lord Sun Quan knew what she really was he might have second thoughts about sitting next to her. She was a free spirited vixin who lived for excitement and spent her time mixing poisons to kill her fathers enemies. She could throw a knife into man's heart from 5 meters away, use a blow gun at a great distance and poison a single man at a feast for thousands to have him die a month later. She was far more talented in fact than her father but it was he that called all the shots. After all she loved him, how could she ever be disloyal to him. At this moment she found this meeting rather boring, she wished to be away riding or stalking the streets of the capital by moonlight. Still this was for her family, her future she was determined not to make mistakes. "Our good fortune is yours lord Sun Quan. My brother and father live to serve you as shall i, in my own way i hope." Li Ying said bowing and moved to the side. Her father way about to say something when a servent came running in yelling loudly.

"My lord...Wang Mi..she is dead." The servant said crying loudly. Not seeming to notice her lord was meeting with the ruler of Wu. Li Yang went red in the face. Ashamed at having had such a problem in front of his lord as well as having to leave to attend to this. "A moment please my lord. I shall return once ive attended to this." He said looking over to his daughter...this must be her doing. "Come with me Li Ying." He said his tone making it clear he thought this was her mistake. She nodded and followed.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Simon]

[/b][/font] 736
tag(s): Li Ying, Li Yang
notes: Let the eavesdropping commence...
credits: Template by PerfectFallacy[/ul][/blockquote][/div]

a formal invitation

IT'S IN MY NATURE, I CAN'T HELP IT...

It was thanks to everyone's efforts that Wu had achieved victory, for an army cannot fight without its supplies and the supplies could not be administered accordingly without those who transport the supplies and those who work the fields to obtain the supplies. Each had their role and part to play, though one cannot but wonder or hope if they could do more, for such was exactly how Sun Quan felt when his men were sent to war and then praising their bravery for those who passed, those valiant men who gave their life to defend Wu. All he could do was make sure they were not forgotten and ensure the dreams of the fallen are made into reality, to prevail against the chaos.

The heart of such chaos rested in the self-proclaimed hero Cao Cao, who once performed his duty, before seeking dominion over the entire land, marching south to Jingzhou to ask an Imperial relative to surrender and then demanding Dongwu to surrender. Quan couldn't help but wonder what father and brother would have done in the same circumstances but he felt rest assured that they both believed in him and every decision he made, he took with caution to ensure Wu's best interest was taken to heart, whether the situation was one of domestic or one of foreign policy. The alliance with Liu Bei being one that was in Wu's best interest and remains so to prevent Cao Cao from harming the people of Wu.

Huang Gai certainly gave his all in battle and was aware he was currently receiving medical attention to the wounds he suffered, but no doubt a proud warrior such as he felt nothing of it. Wu needed more fearless warriors such as Gongfu, General Li certainly seeming to follow Gongfu's footsteps by his admiration. "My son has always been one to exceed expectations", curious as he spoke if he was actually meeting his father's expectations or likewise exceeding them, but kept such thoughts to himself. "I have never been much of a warrior my lord or a commander. The most i can do for Wu is advise you. I have high hopes that he might leave behind an even greater legacy than i one day".

Sun Quan smiled as he sipped more of the wine, "Such I believe are the hopes and dreams of all fathers, such that is achievable....to those who work towards such a goal and from what you have told me, I have no doubt that your son will be able to, considering his service thus far" and his association with Gongfu no doubt. Li Shimin had the expectations of his father to fulfill, as did he, yet committing their all in their service, so that expectations certainly could either be met or exceeded quite capably. "Whether service is on the field or off the field, it is the service that we do for the good of Wu that counts, for we all have our part to play....thank you", directing the latter part of his response to Li Ying as she refilled his cup.

"Our good fortune is yours lord Sun Quan. My brother and father live to serve you as shall i, in my own way i hope", to which he was about to reply, when a commotion erupted when a servant bursted into the room, clearly unaware of his presence with some startling news, "My lord...Wang Mi..she is dead". Not being his place to say, Sun Quan remained still to allow Li Yang to deal with it, though when death was involved in peacetime and in Wu's capital, it certainly raised questions which came under his jurisdiction of the death was one committed by a murderer, which was shocking news indeed.

"A moment please my lord. I shall return once ive attended to this....Come with me Li Ying", as Minister Li and his daughter left to deal with this death and leaving Sun Quan alone with this bounty before him. It was suspicious though, as why should the head of the household require his daughter's assistance to look upon death and dismissing her capacity as wine-bearer during a visit from a guest. Such suspicions went round Sun Quan's mind as he sat there, before standing from his seat and decided to attend to this mystery also, following the sounds of voices to find out if this was a matter of security or not..........

[/div]

[Li Ying]

+ A formal invitation

Li Ying Simon OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

Lord Li Yang lead his daughter out of the room and down the corridor to a more, private room. Where they could discuss what had happened, quickly he hoped. He did not want to keep Sun Quan waiting, but this could not be ignored. He just cursed the servant girl for announcing the death, that was the last thing he needed. Now it was not possible to conceal the incident. He would have to come up with excuses later, it was such a pity. After having gone to the trouble to invite his lord, what terrible timing. Any favour he might have gained, would be overshadowed now by this incident. This far inside the estate, their were few guards and the servants he shooed away, so he might speak privately with his daughter. The door was left open just a crack as he turned to speak with Li Ying.

"That girl was found dead in your room Ying...what have i told you about being careful. Your playing with dangerous forces, you have to use the utmost caution or you will end up killing the wrong people. Ive warned you before, poison isnt as accurate at a blade, you must wield it carefully." He criticised her. Li Ying tried to stay calm but her eyes smouldered with anger and indignation this was not her fault. How dare he lecture her, she was the one here with the skill not he. Still she knew better than to answer her father hotly. It would achieve nothing when he was in this mood.

"I left careful instructions father, no one is to go into my room without my permission or without me to supervise. I dont have anywhere else to prepare the tools or the mixtures i need. Many of them need to be left open to the air while they mix and distil. Unless your going to set up a laboratory for my poison making what else do you want me to do." Li Ying protested feeling this incident was not her doing. If the girl had obeyed instructions to keep out, she would have been fine. She was not the girls babysitter, if people were too dumb to do what they were told it was not her fault.

"Don't take that tone with me, young lady. We all do what we have to for the family. Dont you think i dont play my own part. Everything i do is for you and your brother, so you will have a bright future and your children children as well." Li Yang told her, quite believing what he was saying as well.

"I've always done everything you asked father, what more do you want of me. Have i not been a dutiful daughter." Li Ying asked, feeling a little hurt. Her father put an arm around her shoulder to comfort her. He was not at times the best father but he did care for his children, in his own way.

"Marry Sun Quan and you will have made my proud daughter. Now perhaps another place can be found. Somewhere private where you can create your concoctions. Its obvious your room wont do anymore. Now when Sun Quan asks about this, you will say this...The girl was bitten by a cobra and in a daze looking for help ended up in your room. My men have killed the animal and i will provide for the girls family. Is that understood." He told her. Li Ying nodded, she would do as her father asked, she always did.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Simon]

[/b][/font] 814
tag(s): Li Ying, Li Yang
notes: Oooohhh
credits: Template by PerfectFallacy[/ul][/blockquote][/div]

a formal invitation

IT'S IN MY NATURE, I CAN'T HELP IT...

Curiosity, the state of mind that invokes interest and inquisitiveness, the desire to seek what is unknown to quell the thirst for knowledge. Curiosity certainly perked as the unknown nature of Wang Mi's death was brought to mind, inquisitive towards the cause and interest as to whether it is a matter for Quan to be concerned about also. Led by this, Sun Quan followed the sounds of noises to find his way to where Minister Li was no doubt facing the victim and finding out what the cause was. He certainly hoped that the cause was not serious, but if it was, then action must be taken to prevent a re-occurance.

However, instead of confronting the victim, it seemed Minister Li and his daughter were having their own conversation, ears perking up when he heard Minister Li say "that girl was found dead in your room Ying", confirming this was a private conversation and not inspecting the servant. No doubt this was a domestic matter, yet it still was concerning and grew even more so when "you will end up killing the wrong people", questioning who the right people were and how, the latter being answered, "poison isn't as accurate as a blade, you must wield it carefully". This clearly answered his curiosity as to why Minister Li took his daughter with him and why they opted to speak privately than visit the victim to uncover the reasoning as they already knew what the reasoning was, listening to Li Ying speak of her "mixtures" and how she "left careful instructions", yet the picture of what had happened was already formed in Sun Quan's mind and he was displeased to say the very least.

"We all do what we have to for the family. Don't you think i don't play my own part", raising questions as to what this part is. As much as he respected the need to look out for one family, were some interests for the glory of Wu or not, the question before remaining in his mind as to who the 'right people' are that Li Ying kills than the 'wrong people', suggesting she has killed before. Clearly Sun Quan had to consider this matter carefully, especially in light of Minister Li's influence, but it was disappointing that this information has been kept secretly from him and if he can keep this a secret, what else does he keep from him, beginning to doubt his loyalty.

He also had to decide who to approach for advice on this matter, especially where the Li family were concerned, Minister Li and Li Ying clearly hiding secrets, but what of General Li, was he hiding secrets too as he did suggest that "We all do what we have to", so what was General Li's part in this. Until he understood the situation clearly, it was difficult to decide what steps were needed, but he would have time, except it seemed that he was part of Minister Li's plans, "Marry Sun Quan and you will have made me proud daughter". Not only was this matter a matter for the courts, but it seemed a personal matter now that involved him, some relief was from the fact that despite Li Ying's capabilities, no harm had come to him, but the extent to what Minister Li's ambitions are if he was to deny the request.....a troubling situation indeed.

"Now when Sun Quan asks about this, you will say this... The girl was bitten by a cobra..", the rest of the fantasy faded as Sun Quan took this time to step away from his current post and return to the banquet hall so that he remained unnoticed as Minister Li and Li Ying weaved their thread of lies that they were soon to deliver to him. Should it have been his brother in his place, he wondered as he returned as to whether he would of confronted them there and then, but Sun Quan was not such to take risks before laying out the matter and considering it very carefully before suggesting ulterior motives were in play.

Taking a seat where he sat before and pouring his own wine and taking a sip. Just as he took in the contents of the rich flavour, he also took in the contents of his recent expedition. Sun Quan may not be the bravest man to stand against armies and be as fierce as his brother, but he sure was daring and brave when he wished to be, this feat certainly being one. Afterall, a tiger not only strikes, but a tiger is also a hunter and is also cunning as it watches its prey, striking when the moment is right. Exactly the position Sun Quan now found himself in until answers were revealed, true answers which he would not receive here with the concocted report that he would soon receive......

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