Journey to Hanzhong, Part II [Liu Bei/Lexi] [Complete]

[Sima Yi]

The missions had been a success, everything had proceeded exactly as Zhuge Liang had planned. Upon their return to Xinye, Xingcai and Liu Shan relayed the details of their meeting with Yang Song, and noted that they had told Zhang Lu that Liu Bei would send forth a messenger prior to his arrival. Liu Bei did this, the messenger carrying a letter Liu Bei had written himself, the contents unknown even to Zhuge Liang. Jiameng Pass had been successfully surveyed by Bei Shurong, who Zhuge Liang had recommended to lead the attack on Jiameng.

And so did Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang find themselves on the road to Hanzhong, riding at the head of a large caravan. While Liu Bei was being taken in by Zhang Lu, the next phase of Zhuge Liang's plan was already in motion...

[Liu Bei]

Hanzhong, this place shall be only a stepping stone to Liu Bei's goals and dreams. He was at the head of the caravan of troops and officers beside Zhuge Liang. Although emphases were on Jiameng Pass, the entire region would fall under his wing. Like a Dragon claiming his roost, he would be fierce and insurmountable. " Master Kongming, we are well prepared and with your guidance we shall claim Jiameng Pass soon, and then Chengdu."

[Sima Yi]

"Your words are most kind, Lord Liu Bei. I possess little talent, and I hope I live up to the expectations you have of me." Zhuge Liang replied humbly. "I remember the letter you left at my house on your second visit to my cottage at Longzhong; it was then I knew you were destined for great things."

As they moved along the path, Kongming glanced back at the caravan behind them. Aside from the officers and troops, there were also many common people who wished to come with them--more than at Changban. Initially, Zhuge Liang was concerned that Zhang Lu would retract his offer because of their number, for he was not offering asylum to refugees. But then Zhuge Liang realized that the people were an inspiring sight to behold, and a tribute to Liu Bei's character. "My lord, have you thought of what you will say to Zhang Gongqi when you meet him?"

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei's pace was a rather quick and steady one. His arms swung back and forth in sequence with his legs. Mind set to fulfill his decrees to his people, his compassion a stain on his face. A smile that held the power of a country, but so far failed to prove so. His Willpower strong, but was his courage as well.

" The road ahead is short and I can see a gate captain ahead. Master Kongming, if you will, please show us the path that we must walk."
Xuande and Zhuge Kongming had many plans and this was just the first step. After the Gate to the West, Hanzhong, they would siege Chengdu and what then? Was it to Xu Chang or Jiangdong? The pup of the tiger, Sun Jian, had proven to be a patient and wise man. His government strong, provinces loyal and people adequately happy, Sun Quan seemed to be ahead of most.

Cao Pi, the son of Liu Bei's friend Cao Cao. The two shared a different vision of the land, but that never wavered them from a kind chat every now and then. However, Xuande's relationship with the mans son was very different. Cao Pi seemed to be more of a peacock, rather than a Dragon like his father though he still held immense respect and order from his forces. The people seemed to have become 'use' to it and have adapted to or were forced to.

Liu Bei aimed to be different. Although he looked beyond here, he never left his people behind. It was his duty to guide them or so he believed and with Zhuge Liang's assistants he would not waver. He looked behind him before he spoke once more to Zhuge Kongming.

"Where is Xing Cai? She should be at the front with us Master Kongming. She is late, do you not think it would be wise to allow a familliar face approach our host first?"

[Sima Yi]

"Lady Xingcai has done more than her share, therefore I offered her the option of staying at Xinye while we went on this trip ourselves, my lord. Simply do as we discussed, and you shall not encounter any difficulties."

Zhuge Liang raised his fan, signalling for the bulk of the caravan to halt. He motioned for Liu Bei and himself to dismount from their horses and walk towards the gate. The gate guards whispered to each other---their hands raised slightly to conceal their mouths. However Zhuge Liang knew what they were speaking about, for the looks upon their faces when they caught a glimpse of Liu Bei said it all. Liu Bei did not inspire in the same way as Cao Cao, but he made up for it with his personal charisma. In Hanzhong, Liu Bei's reputation preceded him, and these guards expected a man of greater quality than the one who stood before him, leading a great host.

Zhuge Liang stepped forward and saluted the gate captain, a small man with a pinched face. "Greetings. I am Zhuge Kongming, and I am here to present Liu Bei, styled Xuande, to your lord, Zhang Gongqi." The Gate Captain stroked his beard, and then looked from side-to side at his subordinates, as if he sought validation for what he was about to do. "Are you the one who sent my lord a messenger a fortnight ago?"

"Yes. This is Lord Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle. We have arranged an audience with your lord through Yang Song."

The Gate Captain ran his fingers through his beard once more, mulling things over in his mind. He then order the gate raised, and Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were granted entrance into the city, along with Liu Bei's many followers. Zhuge Liang instructed that only five guards accompany them as an escort to their meeting with Zhang Lu, for he was certain that there were those who wished Liu Bei harm. Shortly after they arrived, an attendant arrived with a carriage to conduct Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang to their meeting with Zhang Lu.

"You first, my lord," Zhuge Liang said, "I will have the guards run alongside the carriage."

[Liu Bei]

It was his true. Xing Cai was one that Bei could rest easily knowing that she was their. Although he had brought many followers, not all marched to Hanzhong. Xinye was important to him as well, more so the people of that region. However, this was not the time for rest. Before him the gate opened and a carriage was drew.

Zhuge Liang pulled the shade for Liu Bei as he stepped forward into the carriage, Zhuge Kongming behind him. As the two rode to the Audiance hall, Xuande twiddled his thumbs. The expression on his face would give him away instantly to Zhuge. The carriage came to a slow halt as he braced himself. His hands griping the wooden frame. One of Liu Bei's personal guard opened the shade as Bei offered Zhuge exit first. He would follow suit and the two would be lead towards Zhang Lu's hall. It was much more luxurious than the inn back at Xinye, although Bei felt no jealousy from greed.

" Master Zhang Gongqi we are pleased to be your guests."

[Lexi]

you can’t have my heart Master Zhang Gongqi we are pleased to be your guests." Zhang had not expected them to arrive so quickly, he had not even finished setting up the banquet but they were here now so he might as well greet them as any host should. He looked up as they both entered the hall, Liu Bei was not what he had expected he looked as if he was common peasant, but that was his charm and the people loved it. He stood up and bowed to Liu bei has he entered the hall saying.. “Well met my friends.. Come sit I will have wine and food brought for us consider this your home for as long as you require. but Do what you want with my body

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Sima Yi]

Zhuge Liang had heard rumors that Zhang Lu possessed supernatural abilities, deep knowledge of the arcane arts passed down from his grandfather, the legendary Zhang Daoling. However, Kongming remained skeptical to the fanciful notion of witchery. He sensed that the more credible rumors about Zhang Lu were certainly true---those that told of his humaneness and his love for the people of Hanzhong. As admirable as these qualities were, Zhuge Liang intended to use them against him in favor of Liu Bei's ambitions.
    "We are very grateful to you, Lord Zhang Lu, for your hospitality and kindness. In these troubled times, it would seem that your careful guidance has helped Hanzhong still thrive; much like a delicate flower amongst brambles." Zhuge Liang said graciously, offering his respects with gentle obeisance.
 

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei bowed; lower than the others would ever dare, he stalled for a moment and then raised himself slowly. He listened to both Zhuge Liang and Zhang Lu, his pointy ears paying close attention to Zhuge. He had learned to follow what he said more, as a guide. Zhuge had a way with words to lead Bei. He was thankful for his service. His eyes on Zhang Lu when he spoke.

"Your wine shall be wasted on me, grapes far to bitter for my sweet tongue, but I thank you nonetheless." Xuande reached the sturdy table and pulled a chair for Zhuge. " Please Kongming..." His tone rather sutle.

Some might say that this was an act, but anyone that knew Liu Bei would know of his kindness and his Charisma. A smile that pierced through the land and waned the hearts of men and women to fight for their freedom and lives. This was no act, not something fake, but truth. Bei respected Zhuge Liang. He thought of him as a teacher sent from Heaven. It was Bei's choice to listen to this voice, if he would listen he could become greatness. Or, at least, This was what he believed.

[Lexi]

Zhang Lu "We are very grateful to you, Lord Zhang Lu, for your hospitality and kindness. In these troubled times, it would seem that your careful guidance has helped Hanzhong still thrive; much like a delicate flower amongst brambles Zhang smiled once again even Liang was polite but why where they acting so nice, did they want something or was he just thinking too far outside the box. “It is I who should be grateful to have such wise and valiant heroes in my humble hall. I have heard about your exploits far and wide, you are heroes to the people of this region. He would then motion to both of them to make them self’s at home as much as was possible. He would then glance towards bei as he spoke about the wine. "Your wine shall be wasted on me, grapes far too bitter for my sweet tongue, but I thank you nonetheless. “Then is there something else you would desire food dancers just name it and it is yours Lord Liu bei.” Zhang was never a kiss ass to many but to Bei something told him it was better to keep him happy then to turn him away. After all their help would be welcomed in any shape or form. Tagged:Sima Yi Liu Bei This Is the end my only friend.

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Sima Yi]

Zhuge Liang took the seat offered him, and then observed, as Liu Bei and Zhang Lu made niceties. He felt humbled by the fact that Liu Bei gave him, Kongming, his total trust; especially when he had been naught but a gentleman scholar of the countryside in the years before that fateful day Liu Bei came to visit him. Zhuge Liang would repay Liu Bei's good faith with his own loyal service, doing all that was in his power to help him along his path of conquest towards a better future---no matter what the cost.

"My lord, perhaps you should show Lord Zhang Lu the letter you received from Liu Zhang...?" Zhuge Liang interjected gently into the conversation, following Zhang Lu's subtle inquiry as to their purpose for meeting with him.

 

[Liu Bei]

"I desire nothing but your aid." Bei said calmly. His left arm reaching into his garb, withdrawing a letter. "Liu Zhang desires Hanzhong, when clearly it is doing well under your government. While I see no reason for a rash leadership change Master Zhang."

Liu Bei rested the letter on the table;

Brother Xuande,

I wish to convey my regards and adulation towards you concerning your recent victory over Cao Cao. Such a villain as he does discredit to the memory of our ancestors, and it is our duty to uphold the name of the Han by withstanding all those who would enrich themselves at the expense of our forefathers.

I fear that the Cao clan are not the only ones who dream of grandeur. I will mince words no further---I speak of Zhang Gongqi of Hanzhong. He strongly craves the title of King of Han'ning, and attempts to expand his territory with each passing day. A man of such as this is a far greater threat than Cao Cao, for at least Cao Cao is honorable enough to hide his ambitions behind a guise of loyalty!

Xuande we have not been especially close, but I ask you join me in defeat Zhang Gongqi, so that the Riverlands will be free from this menace. I will come from Chengdu through Jiameng Pass, you from Xinye, and we will join our hearts and minds together as one.

Yours,
Brother Jiyu

He then pulled a chair out himself and rested. Hoping to get Zhang Lu to ally with him. His eyes on Zhang but his mind still looking farther. Hanzhong and Chengdu were just the first steps to his vision. Zhuge Kongming knew this best of all.

[Lexi]

Zhang Lu After pausing to read the letter his facial expression would turn to one of shock and worry. He did not have the manpower to win a war, but as luck would have it Bei had stepped into his hall “This cannot be I mean why would he do such a thing we are just trying to live our lives in peace, why is that a crime in this age. He tuned to bei and looked with pleading eyes. “ I know you are my guests but please for the sake of the people and my lands will you help me fight them. I will give you whatever you wish in return. Tagged:Sima Yi Liu Bei This Is the end my only friend.

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Sima Yi]

The letter had its expected outcome. Zhang Lu had taken the bait and invited Liu Bei into his lands to help him defend against the threat that Liu Zhang posed. It would only be a matter of time before the news of Liu Bei's arrival reached Liu Zhang himself, and he would become agitated at the idea of Liu Bei and his chief rival joining forces. Kongming was unperturbed by this possibility, for that would align with his plans perfectly.

"Lord Zhang Lu," Zhuge Liang began, bowing with respect, "I dare not speak for my lord, but I am sure that your two hearts joined together will defend effectively against this dishonorable attack."

While all this was said, Bei Shurong, Lu Lingqi, and Zhang Lihua had moved Xinye troops into the bases along the Hanzhong border, as was Kongming's instructions. Everything was in place for the next phase of their plan.

[Liu Bei]

He paused before he spoke, allowing Zhuge Kongming to spend first. As if he could already see the events unfolding before his eyes. The long Journey that Liu Bei had invisioned. Hanzhong was just the start.

"All that we require is a banquet to celebrate the joining of our forces. We shall be ready at noon tomorrow." And with that, they were one step closer. Able to garrison his forces in Hanzhong. They were now ready for Chengdu. However, there was still more to do in Hanzhong.

-Ended, moving to Banquet now.