The Noble and Most Ancient House of Yuan (Open)

[Sima Yi]

Sima Yi's long journey was nearing its conclusion when he saw the great, sturdy walls of Ye rising in the distance. It had been a fortnight, by Sima Yi's estimations, since Yuan Shao's men had arrived at his home and "coaxed" the scholar from his leisurely life. 

"When meeting our lord, Master Sima, it would behoove you to be on your best behavior. Show respect, for Yuan Shao is the head of the most ancient and noble House of Yuan." The envoy apprehensively advised. " The Yuan have been unwavering pillars in supporting our empire. Our lord's great ancestor, Yuan An, served Emperor Zhang---"

"I do not require a history lesson, for I am already quite familiar with the histories of the great families of the realm," Sima Yi brusquely interjected, catching the envoy off guard. Sima Yi was well-versed in historical studies, and he found it exasperating when he was forced to listen to the incessant ramblings idiots. "Furthermore, I do not require one such as yourself to lecture me on etiquette." Sima Yi cast a sharp glare in the poor man's direction.

Having disembarked at the stables, it was not long before Sima Yi stood before a pair of heavy, handsomely carved doors. The envoy then explained that he would report Yuan Shao, and that Sima Yi would be summoned shortly.

Zhongda sighed, "It is a terrible bother, but I suppose it cannot be helped."

[Xu Huang]

     Raindrops fell heavily from the sky, as a white horse rode hard towards Ye. Yells and screams could barely be heard as Xu Huang forced his horse forward, away from the several horsemen that rode after him. These men were common bandits, thieves, murderers, and scum. Xu Huang had no respect for them but he did know that he was outnumbered and he barely got out of the ambush unharmed. He looked around his surroundings while dodging arrow shots every now and then. It was clear they were not proficient with archery while riding a horse. He noticed a couple of trees coming up ahead and he decided he would need to try something otherwise he and his horse would slowly get worn down. He couldn't lead these evil men to where Yuan Shao was, he would need to deal with them here and now.  

     He began to count up to three, and once he reached three he jumped up towards a sturdy branch and used his athleticism and momentum to swing his body upwards as he landed on top of the branch. Without pause, Xu Huang took out his bow and notched and arrow and aimed at the horse of the leader of the bunch, the one in the front. As the arrow sunk into the neck of the horse, it neighed in pain as it lost control of itself. Beginning to trip on itself, the horse fell forward causing the rider to be flung forward quite quickly. This caused a traffic jam, making three more horses trip and fall over too. Xu Huang let loose another arrow, causing one bandit to fall to the ground dead. Once the arrow hit it's target Xu Huang jumped down from the branch as he wielded his large axe. The odds more in his favor now, he used the length of the weapon to his advantage and picked people off their horses, cutting them down before they could reach him. He rolled out of the way of a couple of horses each time he did so. He made quick work of all them, including the leader who did not put up much of a fight once his men were dealt with.

     Xu Huang sighed, as he held onto his axe as a support to keep him on his feet. He was exhausted, even though he still had a ways to go before getting to Ye. He looked up towards the sky as raindrops hit his face. This encounter was only a reminder why he was going to Ye in the first place. He was tired of all these people going around pillaging villages and towns doing whatever they wanted without any consequences. He wished to put a stop to all the people who were making this land a worse and worse place day by day. He wished to grow stronger and become a warrior without equal. One who could help fight this evil and one day bring peace back to the land. This is why he rode to Yuan Shao, the man Xu Huang believed to be the one who would reunite China. Quickly calling his horse back to his side, he mounted it and began to ride off towards Ye once more.
                                                             
                                                               **********
     
     Xu Huang smiled as he finally reached his destination. He was quickly stopped by guards as they asked him to state his business. "I wish to meet with your lord Yuan Shao. To see what kind of man he is, and to join his forces and use my might to help bring peace back to this land. May you take me to him please? You can have my weapons if you do not trust me. I mean no harm." Not sure what to do, they decided to bring Xu Huang with them to the palace, where they took hold of his weaponry for the time being. Xu Huang removed his blue cloak, revealing his normal armor that he wore. The cloak kept everything underneath relatively clean and dry. Xu was lead to outside of the meeting area where Yuan Shao was. He was told to wait there until he was called upon so Xu Huang stood there staring at the door until it moved.

     He noticed another figure standing near the door, appearing to also be waiting for a meeting. Something seemed different about this man that separated him from the common folk. There was an aura around him, an aura Xu couldn't quite figure out. Curious about the man, and also wanting to make time go by faster he approached him. Xu put his fist into his hand and bowed. "Greetings, I am Xu Huang of Yang, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you also here to join Yuan Shao?" Xu Huang tended to not beat around the bush and just ask what was on his mind, as long as it was not too rude to do so. He was not raised a noble, but he knew how to be respectful. 

Words: 836
Tagged: Sima Yi, Yuan Shao
    

[Sima Yi]

Having been pondering the current state of affairs that he found himself in, Sima Yi did not turn to see who had joined him in waiting for Yuan Shao. He finally turned his head to see who it was; there was a rumor which began when he was young, that Sima Yi could turn his head one-hundred and eighty degrees around on his neck to look backwards without turning his body. This was preposterous, but Zhongda did not do much to dissuade others--including his own clan--from believing it to be a possible truth. Sima Yi knew rumors and tales were useful tools of control.

"It would seem so," Sima Yi responded, turning to face the man. The warrior was strongly built and carried himself well, although it was clear he came from common stock. Nevertheless, Sima Yi believed that he would prove useful when the time came. Zhongda returned Xu Huang's greeting in kind, bowing respectfully. "I am Sima Yi," he said, "I have only recently arrived, and not a moment too soon," Sima Yi took a glance at the skies; the dark clouds had returned and rain was beginning to fall heavily. An ominous sign for those who believed in such things. "Tell me, warrior....do you think Yuan Shao is the one who will unite our land?"

He folded his hands within his sleeves as he awaited a response.

[Xu Huang]

     Sima Yi, Sima Yi, Sima Yi. Xu Huang repeated the name in his head as he tried to memorize it. Xu Huang knew that this man was important, and he would have a role to play in this fight in a different way than him. As Sima Yi spoke to him, Xu Huang just looked towards the doors, and stared at them silently for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts and word them properly. He turned back towards Sima Yi and smiled at him. "That is what I am here to find out. I have heard good things about Yuan Shao. He seems to have the right intentions. I believe I can be of use to him to fight against this chaos. I wished to speak to him before I decided to join him, so here I am."

     Xu Huang had heard about other people raising arms and forces in an attempt to bring peace back to the land, but he believed none to be as experienced and as noteworthy as Yuan Shao was. From tale alone, Xu Huang believed Yuan Shao was the better man, and he hoped that speaking to him would prove that. "Do you believe he is capable of such a feat Master Sima Yi?" Sima Yi seemed to be very intelligent, he could see that from how he carried himself. So he wished to hear his opinion on the matter.  

Words: 236
Tagged: Yuan Shao/Sima Yi

[Lu Lingqi]

Perhaps this trip would turn out to be a disappointment, or perhaps it would be the best decision of her life. Or perhaps even she would be shooed from the premises. However, Lu Lingqi desired to see two things as she walked up the well-kept path to Ye's palace gates: the skill and strength of Yuan Shao's warriors, and the caliber of his moral fiber. Would he be one who could bring about real change in the land, or was he on par with the copious rumors floating around the Ten Eunuchs? Such things must be discovered on one's own, hence Lingqi's reasons for coming.

She came upon the gate wearing her battle garb and armor, politely stepping around the two individuals present to access the guards, but not before briefly appraising the pair. One looked to be an aspiring warrior in his own right, and the other struck Lingqi as the scholarly type. A minister, perhaps, or an envoy? He bore no emblems or banners, so perhaps he was one seeking employment. As for the warrior, it could be that he, too, wished to verify the mettle of Yuan Shao and his ilk. Such remained to be seen, and for the immediate moment, she put it aside so she could address the guards.

Briefly bowing to be respectful, Lingqi introduced and announced, "My name is Lu Lingqi. I would wish to meet with Lord Yuan Shao, should he have the time to spare on a prospective recruit." She stepped back roughly between her fellow visitors to avoid overwhelming the guards further, crossing her arms under her chest, her cross halberd in two pieces on a harness on her back and her jian sheathed at her hip for those paying attention.

(( OOC: Trying speech colors out for the next few posts. If it's colored, it's still Lingqi. I just need to see how these blend with the board and what suits her best. ))

[Yuan Shao]

"Benchu." Yan Liang said as he entered Yuan Shao's personal quarters. "Sima Zhongda has agreed to meet with you after I persuaded him." Yuan Shao clapped his hands with joy and rose to his feet. "Excellent work Yan Liang. Summon Wen Chou and prep the great hall. I shall receive him soon." Yan Liang spun on his heels and left to carry out his Lords commands. Meanwhile Yuan Shao summoned his servants and commanded them to bring him his finest robes as well as his sword that has been passed down to him from his father. Once dressed he tied the sword to his hip and walked to the great hall of Ye, the hall was huge and the walls were decorated with portraits of the great Yuan Family, the most recent portrait was of Yuan Shao ascending to the Jin leadership. Yuan Shao sat at the head of the hall, flanked by his most feared generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, who were clad in armour and both had swords on their hip. Yan Liang looked poised to draw his sword at any moment and Wen Chou stood with just the palm of his hand resting on the hilt. As he took his seat and removed his sword , Yan Liang leant forward and whispered in his ear about the two others who had joined Sima Yi in waiting for him. He gave a curt nod and signalled for the three to be sent in.

[Sima Yi]

"Master Xu Huang, allow me to lend you a piece of advice," Sima Yi said thoughtfully, raising his index finger. "It is in times of chaos that true men of talent will make themselves known. I can offer you my own predictions, but as history has shown us, only time will tell who will rise and who will fall. Men far abler than the House of Yuan have fallen into obscurity due to their own self-confidence and delusion."

Sima Yi had began to meditate once more, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet when an imposing female warrior strode between them an announced herself to the guards.

"My name is Lu Lingqi. I would wish to meet with Lord Yuan Shao, should he have the time to spare on a prospective recruit."

"Lu Lingqi..." Sima Yi mulled that name over in his mind, believing he had heard that name before. There was a certain Lu family of Jiuyuan County, of which the son was said to have displayed considerable martial abilities at a young age. If this Lu Lingqi was a relation, Sima Yi would think it in Yuan Shao's best interest to acquire her services.

***

After waiting for what felt like days, one of Yuan Shao's top generals, Yan Liang returned to admit Sima Yi and his fellows. Yan Liang cut a striking figure--dressed to the hilt in shinning armor--but his presence was greatly diminished by a confident grin which Zhongda knew at once to conceal any depth of character in the man. While Yan Liang may be a good warrior in times of strife, there was little else he seemed useful for in peacetime, except perhaps the menial work as a smithy's assistant. Perhaps even that was an overestimation of his potential.

Yan Liang tarried only a moment before taking off down the hall, leaving the envoy from before as an escort for the three. The great hall was clean--Zhongda had expected it to smell of horses--the achievements of the House of Yuan carved into the walls on either side. They stood as records to the previous generations of men who served the Han with loyalty and distinction, and thus raised the Yuan to the level of respect it enjoyed to this day. Irregardless, it still rested upon Yuan Shao himself to carry the mantle his ancestors had bequeathed to him, and not grow complacent on past achievements and accolades.

Reaching the end of the hall, Sima Yi finally laid eyes on Yuan Shao. Dressed in finery, with a well-kept appearance, he did not seem to be the pampered buffoon one would expect, but Sima Yi remained wary. Yuan Shao was flanked by Yan Liang and Wen Chou; Wen Chou looked just as thick and dim as the other one. 

As Sima Yi knelt to offer Yuan Shao his respects, he was joined by Xu Huang and Lu Lingqi.

"I am Sima Yi, son of Sima Fang." Sima Yi said, bowing deeply.

[Xu Huang]

     Xu Huang nodded slightly as he listened to Sima Yi speak. It was clear that his intelligence paled in comparison to Sima Yi's. Yet he understood the message of it all. Xu Huang decided that he would not let history repeat itself. That he will help create a path that will be different, one that will truly make a way for peace and progress. While he preferred to live in peace, Xu Huang was not afraid to fight and die for this belief. Hopefully Yuan Shao was the one who was destined to walk this path.

     Xu Huang smiled when the door opened and they were ushered inside. He had heard stories of Yan Liang, a mighty warrior that had no equal. A man who thrived on the battlefield and was never challenged by another. Yan Liang was a man that Xu Huang respected, and a man that Huang strived to be like on his path to become the perfect warrior. Xu Huang quickly followed Sima Yi, staying a little behind him on his right side. Xu Huang marveled at the beauty of the room, and stood in awe of the man he set out to meet.

     Yuan Shao cut a striking figure, and he was clearly a person that deserved your respect. Xu Huang felt at ease when he got closer to the man, feeling as if the world was already becoming a better place by just being around Yuan Shao. This was a good sign and Huang hoped this tone continued throughout the meeting. Putting one fist into the other hand, Xu Huang stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings Lord Yuan Shao, I am Xu Huang of Yang. It is an honor to meet with you."  

Words: 290
Tagged Lu Lingqi, Yuan Shao, Sima Yi

[Lu Lingqi]

Eventually, or perhaps inevitably, a man whom Lü Lingqi recognized to be Yan Liang came to collect the three... Or rather, he more than likely came to collect the two men at either side of her, for she, at least, was uninvited and unannounced until just today. The veteran warrior certainly bore a warrior's stature, yet he almost seemed overdressed in his armor, and perhaps far too on edge than would be necessary. Was it his experience, his demeanor, or perhaps a means of compensating for a shortcoming that he would deign to present such a strong image? Lingqi offered no verbal comment, however, being mature and cultured enough to understand that such commentary without being prompted for it could result in her head on a pike.

Or at least, they would certainly try.

As the three were led inside and the muscled visitor took one side of the minister, Lingqi would take his other side, following her elder's example of walking just slightly behind him, for the man walked with purpose not unlike herself. It was certain that he was invited, perhaps even propositioned to join Jin. Such would not be surprising; she detected a certain intellect resonating from his aura. Though Lingqi most venerated strength, skill, and determination, she had a healthy respect for those strategists, tacticians, and generals who used their wit and cunning to great effect. Would this man be the same, and would they both find themselves in service to Yuan Shao, she might enjoy working with him.

Upon arrival at the end of the hall, Lingqi took careful note of both figures who awaited them. One was clearly seen to be Wen Chou, whom seemed more at ease than Yan Liang. Was it a difference in confidence or in demeanor, or did he lack the wisdom to be as ready for possible battle? She knew not, but she did know that much like his counterpart, he fit the role of a warrior well enough, at least at a glance. The other was Yuan Shao, whom Lingqi had seen portraits of on the way in, not that she paid much mind to fine art to begin with. As her two fellow visitors - now self-identified as Sima Yi and Xu Huang, the former of which whose father she knew of - knelt and bowed, so too would she, kneeling down and bowing deeply in respect to the liege of the north.

"I am Lü Lingqi of Jiuyuan, daughter of Lã Lương," she introduced. Though she had a small reputation in the lesser governed counties, she doubted that her name or that of her father would be greatly recognized. Perhaps her clan name, that shared by her rising star of a brother, might pique his interest... She would soon find out.

[Yuan Shao]

Yuan Benchu rose to his feet as the three entered the room. His eyes passed judging each person as they walked closer. His eyes fixed on the man who could only be the famed intellect Sima Zhongda. Benchu had worked along side his father at the imperial court and heard how Sima Yi was the most able of his many brother and Sima Fang had also claimed that his son's intellect had also surpassed his own. Yuan Shao did not know if these tales were true or just a father making his favoured son to be better than he is but nonetheless, Yuan Shao could not take the chance in not acquiring his skills. He could be too great a man to miss out on and losing someone who has the potential to be as great as Yuan Shao would be a bitter blow to his ambition should he side with other upstarts.

The second man was much bulkier than Sima Yi and similar to Wen Chou and Yan Liang in size and stature although properly considerably weaker and skilled with a blade. He did not recognise the man but his size was impressive, sticking him in the middle of Wen Chou and Yan Liang would make for a terrifying and formidable sight indeed. Intimidation would soon play a large part for Yuan Shao's plan, to secure power within the Han Court having three large and fearsome warriors loyal to him and his cause, he could use them to make others see the ways he does and eventually increase his power and influence further than it already is.

The third person was a female who looked stronger than most women and was dressed more like a man than a women. His eyes darted to Yan Liang as he gave a confused look his way, all Yan Liang could do was shrug his shoulders. His confused look then turned to Wen Chou who was trying to stifle some laughter, it was doubtful that Wen Chou had ever seen a women wearing armour.. armour that wasn't his own. Benchu shrugged off his confusion as this women did pique his interest, afterall, a women who could fight as well as a man could is far more dangerous than a man.

The three stepped forward in turns, each announcing their names and then either their father or the province they were from as if to impress Yuan Shao. He studied the three once more before speaking. "Welcome." He spoke with a loud and clear tone, hie voice was carried the length of the room as if he was addressing a hundred or more men rather than just three people stood a few feet away from him. "As you well know, I am Yuan Shao, head of esteemed Yuan family and overlord of Jin territories by royal decree from the Emperor Ling himself." He flicked his head towards the portrait hanging on the wall of him receiving the royal decree for the Emperor. He addressed Sima Yi first as he was the first to step forward. "I know your father Sima Fang well, we served time in court together and he told me great tales of you, naturally you will have heard of my exploits from him too. A man in my position would be able to use your talents best and out of respect to your father I will offer you a position under my command as Officer of Writing based on what your father has told me about your skills."

Benchu's attention moved to the man named Xu Huang. "I confess I have never heard of Xu Huang of Yang but I am impressed by your size, you're almost as big as the two most famed warriors in the land which is an achievement in itself, the three of you could make for a fearsome sight. If you wish to join and aid the great and noble family of Yuan, I can offer you a position under Yan Liang and if you impress me you may well be promoted further."

Finally he turned to the famale warrior named Lu Lingqi, he did not know her but her father was somewhat known to him but that was mainly because of his son, Lu Bu. A fierce warrior who kept Dong Zhuo and the Emperor safe, maybe having his sister onboard she could persuade him to join her side and then no one would be able to stand in the way of Yuan Shao's ambition. He eyed her up and down, there was a certain aura around her that he couldn't help take notice of, a female warrior had more weapons at her disposal than just her sword. "A female warrior is quite a sight to behold but I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering who your brother is. Siblings often follow in their elders footsteps to impressive them, it must have been a tough childhood for you. I get told that your brother is the third fiercest warrior in the land, behind these two of course." He gestured towards Yan Liang and Wen Chou. "I do have a position in my force for someone with your talent and name, like Xu Huang here, I can place you under Yan Liang and allow you to grow from there if you accept."

[Sima Yi]

As he thought, his father had had a hand in Yuan Shao's earnest pursuit of his services. Sima Fang had been acting queerly, increasingly asking for Zhongda's opinion on the House of Yuan. Sima Yi, not one to disrespect his own father, would answer simply, "I do not have anything to do with the Yuans, therefore I hold no opinion of them, good or bad." Sima Yi knew that his father wished for him to serve, as his ancestors had done, by either following in his footsteps as a courtier or seeking out a liege-lord worthy of his talents. Fearing that Sima Yi was becoming too complacent and indolent in the leisurely life of the scholar, Sima Fang entered the study one warm afternoon and lectured his son.

"Once more I find you here, wasting your time over texts that I know you have memorized thoroughly!" Sima Fang picked up The Marshal's Art of War, a text allegedly written during the Spring and Autumn Period by Sima Fang's esteemed ancestor, or so the story was often told. "This has been in our family for generations, so do not tell me you do not have an understanding of its contents."

Sima Yi fell to the floor and bowed deeply to his father. "Father, forgive me. I am a poor son and I have disappointed you. I simply aspire--"

"You aspire to be the Su Qin or Zhang Yi of our time, but verily, I say to you, that such an achievement can no longer be obtained through the reading of these texts," Sima Fang interrupted, his tone softer, yet firm. "Thrice have you have turned Yuan Benchu's men away. He is not a man of limitless patience, and even one of your talent and intelligence shall fade from his eye should you refute his offer again." Sima Fang warned, shaking his finger with foreboding.

Like the wolf, Sima Fang knew his son's pride and overconfidence would not permit him to go to Yuan Shao like an ordinary man. Sima Fang was conspicuously absent the day Yuan Shao's men came to call upon Sima Yi and then set fire to the study, offering no other alternative. Sima Yi smiled at the thought that everything had come full circle to this moment, where he now stood on the precipice of service to the House of Yuan. He addressed Yuan Shao with a respectful bow, folding his hands within his sleeves. "I will serve Lord Yuan Shao and his house with ready advice and wise counsel."

Zhongda believed he finally had an answer to Xu Huang's earlier question. Yes, indeed, it seemed as though Yuan Shao was the type capable of uniting the land. But of course, this rested on the fact that he listened to the advice of Sima Yi.

[Xu Huang]

     Xu Huang waited his turn as Sima Yi was offered a high ranking position in Yuan Shao's forces. At least, it sounded like something that was high ranking. Rank was something that did not concern Xu Huang, it was superficial. All Huang cared about was helping lead this land to a time of peace once again. Even if he was given the lowest rank, as long as Xu Huang was able to fight for this cause, he did not care. He was interested to hear Sima Yi's response, if he ended up joining Yuan Shao then Xu Huang's hunch about Yuan Shao being the man that he needed to fight for must be correct. Someone as wise as Sima Yi seemed to be would be welcomed with open arms anywhere. So wherever he went, success was sure to follow. He then accepted the offer.

     Xu Huang smiled as Yuan Shao turned towards him. He felt his heart stop beating for a millisecond as he was compared to the legendary officers of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. If you were familiar with battle or war you would know the names of those two men. Yan Liang himself was a mighty warrior, but to have another like Wen Chou by his side was something to be feared by even the strongest of opponents. Facing off against those two would surely lead towards a swift death. 

     Barely being able to hold in his excitement, Xu Huang took a deep breath in order to calm down. Serving under Yan Liang was such an honor, and it would teach Huang so much that he would be a fool to turn this offer down. Sima Yi saw something in Yuan Shao, and so did Xu Huang. "My lord, I shall serve you until I breathe my last breath." With a quick bow, Xu Huang stood back again and waited to see what Lu Lingqi would say to the offer. She also seemed like a mighty warrior, someone that would make for a great sparring partner. Huang could tell by her posture that she was different from any woman he had met before. She had a fire about her that made her stand out quite fiercely. 

Words: 370
Tagged: Lu Lingqi/Yuan Shao/Sima Yi

     

[Lu Lingqi]

As Lü Lingqi listened attentively and patiently, she discovered something about the noble scion before her: Yuan Shao was rather long-winded for a governor. Perhaps the same could be said of other administrators or nobles, or perhaps this was unique to the Yuan family head. She knew not, but for the moment would judge him fairly... And she was fairly certain of his confidence in his words. Whether that could be taken as a compliment or an insult could go either way. He spoke in particular of her brother, verifying her intel that he was indeed a rising star himself. She had to restrain herself from touching on the subject with any amount of vigor; much as she wanted to reunite with him, Lingqi knew that it would not result from this meeting, and certainly not if she let herself go off.

At the close of Yuan Shao's speeches, her two fellow visitors were up to bat. Sima Yi went first, and to Lingqi's eye, she could see the face of a man recollecting an important event from his past. The smile that crossed his features led her to believe that it was a happy memory, but it could simply be how he reflected upon it. He bowed and offered a simple declaration. Others of his intellectual aura might very well have a long-winded response for Yuan Shao, but this man had the reserve not to do such a thing, for it might potentially make him seem full of himself, or overly humble. Lingqi nodded to herself; indeed, she could respect this Sima Yi.

Next came Xu Huang, the warrior from Yangzhou. There was a certain twitch to his smile, as if he found himself breathless or felt his heart skipping a beat in response to the very idea one as prestigious as Yuan Shao would deign to offer him a post under Yan Liang. Was it because he expected to find glory and honor beneath his elder, or simply the opportunity to grow as the liege of Jin suggested? Either way, his response too was simple, if more bold, declaring such loyalty that made Lingqi wonder if Yuan Shao had struck all of his chords. That said, though she had yet to see Xu Huang in battle, the way he both carried himself and acted around others had her respecting his personality. She secretly yearned to see him in action.

Finally, the limelight fell upon Lingqi once more. She had time to think about her response as her two elders went before her, so there was little pause. She first offered a warrior's bow to Yuan Shao, planting her fist in her palm and bowing her head behind it. "I, too, will serve Lord Yuan Shao with valor and dedication." She lifted her head and let her arms drift back down to her sides, then fixed Benchu's gaze dead on. Not aggressively, but firmly, in order to make certain he understood what she had to say next. "If I may be bold, however, I request that you treat me not as the younger sibling to my brother, Lü Bu, but as you would treat Master Xu Huang. As much as I deeply respect my brother, I wish to stand on my own merits, not those of my family. Is this a fair petition, Lord Yuan Shao?"