Refuge (Open to Jin ONLY)

[Cao Pi]

183AD 

Autumn 

City Palace
Ye

Early Morning 

Notes: The thread occurs after Cao Pi's flee from Xuchang, as escorted by Xu Huang. Given the slow movement of that thread this is to speed up the plotline.

Tagged: Yuan Shao Xu Huang

Cao Pi was taken back by the beauty of Ye, he was but a child the last time he visited. It was a sight for sore eyes. Father and Yuan Shao spent many months together. They had been childhood friends, having grown up in the same city and attending the same school. It was no doubt they had become such good friends. 

The horse shuddered, a cool morning breeze the northern plains. The journey had been tiresome but everyone who had come was now found relief now with their destination in sight. Cao Pi stroked the horse, reassuring it. From Xuchang they had headed towards Chenliu catching a ferry from a local fisherman. From there they had rode several hundreds of miles. It all seemed so distant now in Cao Pi's mind, it reminded him of Xuchang, and his family.. he signed for a few moments following the man escorting him into the city.. the same man who had come to his rescue.

Neither of them had spoken much, he didn't seem the type of question anything. Cao Pi couldn't tell if he was sent on orders, or if he was just acting upon his own will. He brushed the thought from his head, it was all irrelevant as the city gates closed behind them. He dismounted, handing the stead over to the stablemaster and following the warrior up several flights of stairs. "I remember this place..." Cao Pi muttered, tracing the memories through his childhood.. being chased up the stairs by Yuan Shao's sons.

The guards bowed low, before reaching inwards and opening a majestic looking door. Cao Pi looked at the man who was escorting him, suggesting he should lead before following him inside. The door was just the start, everything was rich and expressive. There was artwork, and fine materials within every view. There were more guards on the inside, and a narrow corridor. Cao Pi kept in pace with the man escorting him, walking alongside him before eventually halting.

"My lord, Yuan Shao.."

[Xu Huang]

"What a journey this has been."

     Xu Huang was for the most part a quiet fellow, he did not pry into other people's business for the most part but something he could not do was let those in need go without help. He would drop everything he was doing to help carry farm tools for a local farmer whose oxen had just recently passed away. Huang would play tag with the homeless children and make sure they were fed before he left the village. He put others before himself, even before his ultimate goal of becoming the Perfect Warrior. To Huang, the people of the land were the most important. The people were the reason he strove to become such a warrior, a warrior that fought to stop all wars. So when Xu Huang saw Cao Pi run towards him in a panic he knew he could not ignore the man in dire need of help.

     After a harrowing experience Xu Huang led Cao Pi back to Ye to have an audience with Yuan Shao. Xu Huang knew Yuan Shao and Cao Pi's father, Cao Cao, shared a long history between each other and Huang believed that the one place Cao Pi would be safe would be with Yuan Shao. Huang stayed silent for most of the trip, after telling Cao Pi where he was taking him he decided to give the man some space. Xu Huang still had no idea what happened to Cao Pi, or Pi's father but what Huang did know was that Pi needed his help so he gave it to him. No questions asked. 

     They had finally reached their destination as Xu Huang dismounted his white steed and started to make his way towards the palace. It was just as grand as it was the last time Huang was here and he noticed as he slightly looked behind him Cao Pi's amazement. It put a smile on Xu Huang's face as he lead the man to Yuan Shao's throne room. As they entered Xu Huang stepped forward first and bowed deeply. "My Lord Yuan Shao, I bring with me Cao Pi, son of Cao Cao." After he said this he moved to the side and allowed Cao Pi to step forward. He stayed at the side and waited for Yuan Shao to respond to Cao Pi. For now, until he was called upon, Xu Huang would stay silent.


Words: 403
Tagged: Yuan Shao Cao Pi

[Yuan Shao]

Yuan Shao had been in the great hall of Ye all morning taking audiences with peasants and other commoners trying to settle disputes, listening to tales of lost goats and the lack of rain. It was all very boring, he longed to return to his painting where he had peace and quiet, plentiful fruit and a nice breezy room where he could where some lightweight clothing to keep him cool in the scorching heat. The year had been unlike any other Yuan Benchu had experienced before, there was barely any rain and food supplies in Ye had dropped. The harvest was a poor one but Yuan Shao had only heard about it and not felt its effects, such is the life of a Yuan.
No more today. Yuan Shao said as he abruptly stood up and walked out of the hall as onlookers could do nothing but watch. Some people who had stood in line for most of the day had to leave and return another day but Yuan Shao didn't care for their complaints.

It had been a long day, finally Yuan Shao would get to sit down, relax and paint. However, as he removed his footwear and reached for his brush a messenger was allowed to enter.
My Lord. He spoke with a soft voice. Our scouts have reported that Lieutenant Xu Huang and an unknown man are approaching Ye. Yuan Shao sighed and slipped his footwear back on and put his brush aside. He picked up a piece of reflective glass and fixed his eyebrows whilst the messenger saw himself out. As he exited his study he was joined by two armed guards who flanked either side of him. By the time he had walked through the grand palace of Ye, Xu Huang and Cao Pi had already entered. He noticed Cao Pi right away, he was but a boy when he last saw him but he his boyish face and his fathers eyes. It had been years since Yuan Shao had last seen Cao Cao, they were great friends in their youth but Yuan Shao never trusted him, he was too sly and obviously envious of the status the Yuan's held.
Xu Huang.. Cao Pi. Yuan Shao said curtly giving a short sharp nod in their directions. It's been a long time since I last saw you, you've done a lot of growing in that time. To what do I owe the pleasure? Yuan Shao peered around the shoulder of Cao Pi, looking for something or someone. Is your father not here with you?

[Cao Pi]

There he sat, although it wasn't for long as the poncy, aristocrat rose to his feet. The man hadn't changed one bit; except for perhaps aged although that was something even his own father couldn't escape. Always grand, always presentable.. always noble. Cao Pi bowed as low as his body could take his, prostrating his hands upwards in honour of the lord who stood before him. It pained Cao Pi to lower himself in such a degrading manner, but for the greater good he swallowed his pride. "Lord Yuan Shao.." he greeted. "It is an honour to be reunited with you again..." Yuan Shao bidded them a glance, as a soft welcome before cutting to chase about his purpose of visit, and his father.

A cold sinking feeling came over Cao Pi, as he turned to Xu Huang who had heard the tale on the way here. They exchanged glances between them before Cao Pi decided it was best he summon the words himself. He took a moment to set the scene, narrowing his eyes and assessing the situation. "My father's family estate was attacked during the night... we were surrounded and outnumbered.....".

Cao Pi looked to the floor in sadness, allowing the silence on the floor to play to advantage before continuing his story. "I narrowly escaped my quarters.. had your loyal officer Lord Xu Huang not encountered me.. I would have been a dead man." Cao Pi clutched his hands, raising them to his lord Yuan Shao, before raising them to Xu Huang in thanks to both them. "Lord Xu Huang escorted me here.. we were pursued for several hundred li.. but by his guile and superior knowledge of the local environment we escaped." He praised the warrior again before polishing up his reasoning for being in the city of Ye. "We arrived this morning.. I apologise for my appearance.. I have yet had time to bathe or sleep.. I came to the throne room immediately to inform you of the news of my family." Cao Pi signed now returning to the burning question of Yuan Shao's faced, either through personal affection for the man, or through his own power hungry nature, what came of Cao Cao.. where was his father?


"I know not of my father..." he wept a little, knowing that his brother had come to his end by the sword that eve. Though something within him reassured him. His father was not a man so easily rolled over. "I'll be gone by the 'morrow, if your will bids it.." Cao Pi prostrated again not willing to bring any ill-will to the Yuan family, or to the city of Ye. He had said his piece and awaited Xu Huang to solidify his story. After all, the word of one man was nothing but a tale. 

Tagged: Xu Huang

[Xu Huang]

     As Xu Huang listened to Cao Pi retell the tale a look of sadness overtook him as he began to gaze off onto the distance, remembering the horrible night. It was a night that started off better than most yet nose dived into a night of terror, death, and tragedy. Huang was able to save Cao Pi yet he did not know of the whereabouts of the rest of his family, and who knows how many other people he could have saved if he was just a little bit faster. If only he had more foresight and faster legs, Huang cursed to himself his own weaknesses. Huang himself wished to go back and personally look for Cao Cao or any of Cao Pi's relatives but he knew that would be too dangerous. He was a wanted man in Xuchang now, just as Cao Pi and the rest of the Cao's were. 

     He was quickly brought out of his thoughts when he felt the gazes of the two men in the room. Quickly nodding and understanding what they were waiting on Xu Huang collaborated Cao Pi's story. Huang believed it would be for the best for both parties involved to allow Cao Pi to stay in Ye. Once he finished he got down onto his knees and lowered himself onto the ground as he spoke to his lord Yuan Shao. "My Lord, evil has overtaken Xuchang, betrayers and usurpers now control the city and it's people. They failed their assassination of Cao Pi at least and I know their kind. They shall hunt him and the rest of his family down until there is none left to oppose them. We must not let them succeed, which is why I believe we should allow Lord Cao Pi to stay with us for the time being. Let him eat, drink, compose himself until he is fit enough to decide upon a course of action."

     Huang believed that having Cao Pi and the remaining Cao family as allies of his lord would be a great idea. Having a family as smart and strong as the Cao's on their side would help expand Lord Yuan Shao's influence and would bring them ever closer to bringing peace back to the land. He continued to look at the ground and waited for his lord's response.


Words: 388
Tagged: Yuan Shao Cao Pi 

[Jack]

Upon hearing Cao Pi's story of the Cao families misfortune he allowed sadness to cover his face before looking down and shaking his head. He quickly turned his back on the two men as he felt a smirk start to creep onto his face, the loss of the Cao Family estate greatly pleased him. Cao Cao was supposed to be a future hero but it was Yuan Shao who was the hero and his legacy would stand the test of time unlike Cao Cao who's favourite son was now seeking refuge under him and Cao Cao possibly dead himself...

Yuan Shao quickly composed himself, taking a deep breathe before turning back to the men. Such tragic news! Yuan Shao moved forward to Cao Pi to help him to his feet. I am glad you're alive. I shall do all I can to find the rest of your family. You may stay here in Ye and serve me for now. I shall do my best to find your family and restore your fortune. Yuan Shao looked to Xu Huang. General Xu Huang... I thank you for this kindness, you have proved yourself worthy in my eyes and therefore I promote you to general who restores peace. Your first command as a general is to show Cao Pi to one of the free rooms in the palace and begin stratergising on how to rescue the rest of the Cao family.

[Yuan Shao]

Upon hearing Cao Pi's story of the Cao families misfortune he allowed sadness to cover his face before looking down and shaking his head. He quickly turned his back on the two men as he felt a smirk start to creep onto his face, the loss of the Cao Family estate greatly pleased him. Cao Cao was supposed to be a future hero but it was Yuan Shao who was the hero and his legacy would stand the test of time unlike Cao Cao who's favourite son was now seeking refuge under him and Cao Cao possibly dead himself...

Yuan Shao quickly composed himself, taking a deep breathe before turning back to the men. Such tragic news! Yuan Shao moved forward to Cao Pi to help him to his feet. I am glad you're alive. I shall do all I can to find the rest of your family. You may stay here in Ye and serve me for now. I shall do my best to find your family and restore your fortune. Yuan Shao looked to Xu Huang. General Xu Huang... I thank you for this kindness, you have proved yourself worthy in my eyes and therefore I promote you to general who restores peace. Your first command as a general is to show Cao Pi to one of the free rooms in the palace and begin stratergising on how to rescue the rest of the Cao family.

[Cao Pi]

The performance had worked, at least for now and Yuan Shao welcomed Cao Pi in with open arms. Though he didn't feel anymore comfortable or trusting. The only real ally he had found in all of this was the warrior who stood beside him. The man was willing to lay down his life to attempt to protect him. He hoped that the room he was given was close to the quarters of this man. "My lord.." Cao Pi rose to his feet upon order of Yuan Shao. "You honour me... your generosity shall never be forgotten..." he clasped his hands again in gratitude before retiring from the throne room accompanied by the warrior.

Once they were out of the throne room, he allowed the warrior to lead the way. "General Who Restores Peace.." Cao Pi chirped, a new found friend perhaps. He paused, hoping the warrior would do the same. "Thank you.." he remarked. If the warrior had any brains, he knew the whole facade within the throne room was just a game. A game the powerful men played. But Cao Pi genuinely meant his thanks, he had escaped but only due to the kindness and bravery of this man.

He patted the man on the shoulders, before venturing inside the quarters. It was comfortable, nothing like he was used to but it couldn't really complain. It was suitable, and Cao Pi hoped it was short term.

[Xu Huang]

     Xu Huang lifted his head and smiled deeply, "Thank you my lord. You truly have a kind heart, thank you." Huang bowed again putting his head onto the ground before standing up as he lead Cao Pi to his quarters. Huang cared little for titles but being rewarded for his deeds did bring a warm feeling to his heart. Huang believed in his lord and seeing that belief pay off by him allowing Cao Pi to stay was more proof that he made the correct decision to follow Yuan Shao until the day Huang died. "Lord Cao Pi, please come with me." He made his way out of the throne room and began to head towards the sleeping quarters when he noticed Cao Pi stop.

      Huang blushed a tiny bit when Cao Pi said the new title Huang held. He put his hand behind his head and scratched it as he smiled towards the man. "Titles mean little to me, as long as I do the right thing, as long as I do good in this world, I am happy. You have no need to thank me for saving your life. It was just the right thing to do. Now please, allow me to show you your room, we both need some rest." Xu Huang chuckled a bit as he continued to lead the man to his room. He bowed towards Cao Pi as he went inside, and Huang stood there for a moment before he took a deep breath and made his way to his room. There would not be much time to rest, as Huang needed to figure out ways to find Lord Cao Pi's family. Huang knew there wouldn't be much sleep in his future for some time to come. 

Words: 294
Tagged: Yuan Shao Cao Pi