Joining the right side

[Cao Cao]

Zhi rode with haste towards the city of Wu. The Yellow Turbans were crumbling, maybe they were not the people who would bring peace to the land. Maybe the Han are not as evil as he thought they were. He heard of a great man by the name of Sun Jian who resided in Jiang Dong."I have a feeling about this man. He is different from the rest."Zhi stopped at the gate and waited for the guards to let him in.

[link]

Wu.

Han Dang lazed under the bright sunlight shining down from the clear skies, luxuriating upon the fresh air of the coastal city. Leaning against the stone ledge that formed the edge of the thick high walls that were the protection of the great and beautiful city governed by Sun Jian, Han Yigong dozed off mindlessly under the warm shine of the sun. Idleness had taken over for this particular moment, as Yigong preferred to do nothing much, in fact, most of the time that he got free on his hands. For once he had decided to do something security related, check on the guards or whatever...

And he slumped in his sitting position, head drooping forward, as he silently fell asleep between the two guards that formed a part of the long tight line of the Wu security. The two soldiers eyed each other carefully before turning their gazes upon the general fast asleep beside them. Puzzled looks on their faces, the curious and bewildered men did nothing but just stare at Yigong for quite a while. Well, at least before that man came.

The guards noticed the young man, a strange one, nothing close to a merchant or traveler, or any civilian for that matter. Garmented in battle armor, equipped with what seemed like a longsword, most likely a general of some distant land or something. Was he here on friendly terms, or with hostile meaning purpose? Was he an enemy intruder, or was he an allied messenger, or even better, a recruit?

"Who are you?" the guard captain shouted from atop the walls, as he could not place his trust automatically upon any man, especially with bandits rising randomly here and there these days.

Yigong immediately woke upon the sound of the captain's voice. He might be an idle and ignorant man, but any hint of the sound of battle or something related to that aroused him in an instant. Leaping to his feet, his right hand flying to his back to grab onto his long pike, he turned around and looked down at the newcomer. Who in the world was he? Didn't look like some normal guy at all...

"What in the world--?"

[Cao Cao]

"Wait, I am no enemy to you soldier. I am Zhi Fang, a warrior from Chen Liu who is seeking a lord to serve. I have heard great things about Sun Jian and I am here to serve him. May I enter the city?"Zhi got off his horse and began to pet him. He has ran far, and deserved a nice break. He kept petting his horse, while looking at the city which he was waiting to get into.

[link]

Chen Liu? Han Dang watched with suspicion as his eyes narrowed. Chen Liu was the home of Cao Cao... He was known to be an ally of the Han for now, but the man himself was nothing near worthy of being trusted. In fact, the most cunning in the land, he enjoyed the fact that he himself was sly and most indeed like a traitorous and devious fox. Was this man originating from the service of Cao Mengde, or was he simply here, as he had said, under friendly terms in order to join Sun Jian?

Han Dang has many doubts. And Han Dang also despised the sight of useless acts of love toward pet animals. The horse was just a steed, a tool to ride upon in order for faster transportation and advantages in battle. What, petting a horse? Such a foolish act to bestow upon merely soulless beast... If it grew old, it would just be thrown away and killed off anyway, just a nuisance in its elder years.

The guard captain simply looked at Yigong for guidance, hesitant on whether or not to open the gates.

"Open the doors and let him in. And one of you men hasten to inform Lord Sun Jian that he has a new recruit. The rest of you keep a tentative watch on Zhi Fang; you don't know who to trust these days, after all."

Stepping down from the walls via the staircase himself in order to meet the newcomer face to face, Han Dang signaled to a few nearby servants to take Zhi Fang's horse to the stables to feed and water the animal with the best of Wu's services. Cheng Pu would have done better in greeting the newcomer... But Yigong wasn't Cheng Pu. Maybe Demou would stop by later, but for now, Zhi Fang would have to do with Yigong's cold and doubtful welcome.

"Hello, Zhi Fang."

[Cao Cao]

"Hello to you aswell."replied back to the officer. The officer seemed unsure of Zhi, and Zhi was not surprised. In this time we live in it is hard to trust anyboy. Wanting to meet Sun Jian already, he said to the officer,"May I ask where I can find Sun Jian? I would like to meet him soon, as I am tired from my long journey. The people look so happy!"Zhi was looking around when he saw many faces, many happy faces.

[link]

"So you delight upon the sight of happiness, Zhi Fang? How strange... I haven't paid much attention to the people in quite a while. Thanks to you, I've taken another look at the people of the city, though unfortunately their happiness just might not last for too long. Our conquest will not stop for the concern on peasants."

Han Dang cleared his throat as he jerked his head to his rear, as a signal to Zhi Fang for him to follow Yigong along the main street of the city, toward the palace up ahead. Yes, he had already sent a messenger to Lord Sun Jian, but he did not wish to make his lord and liege travel too far among the common civilians and trouble himself. Instead, the two would go as far as possible before they hopefully met up with Lord Sun somewhere near the royal palace or its courtyard.

"I have arranged for you to meet with our lord. He will be delighted by a new recruit... Under consideration that you are loyal. Just a warning for you, but if your loyalty wavers at all, my sword will be at your throat. Have a great time in Wu."

[Sun Jian]

Sun Jian was settling down, when a messenger arrived from Han Dang about an officer by the name of Zhi Fang, who had come to visit him. Wasting no time, the Tiger got himself up and made his way towards the gate.

It seemed many talented officers have heard about him, and now they were all rolling in. As he went closer, he noticed Han Dang come nearer to save him from coming too far. By his side, was a tall warrior.

Sun Jian smiled, then stayed where he was till they reached there, "Greetings Han Dang, I see your travels have brought in another officer to the fold", he then turns to Zhi Fang, "So what brings you here in the lands of Jiangdong, and where do you come from?"

[Cao Cao]

"It is a great honor to finally meet the Tiger of Jiang Dong."As Zhi said this, he bowed towards Sun Jian in respect. The Tiger is a great warrior as well as a great man."I am from Chen Liu, and I have traveled to this great city in hopes to join you in your quest to unify China under your banner. I would risk my life for you, and the people. So what do you say, will you allow me to join your forces?"Zhi Fang waited for his response. (OOC: Brain dead!!)

[Sun Jian]

Sun Jian paced up and down with his hand on his chin, as he scanned this warrior. Wasn't Chen Liu, the birthplace of Cao Cao, who is also loyal to the Han, so he asked, "You have travelled far to see me, but why have you decided to join me, instead of the other Regional Lords, and what about Cao Cao who also resides in Chen Liu?". He wouldn't of known about this, if he had not seen Cao Cao in Luo Yang Palace.

[Cao Cao]

"Don't get me wrong sir, Cao Cao is a great man but his vision is a vision I could not follow. What I have heard of your vision, even though I have heard little, I believe in it so much I could die for it. You shall be the man who unifies China and I want to help you on that quest. What do you say?"Zhi Fang didn't move a muscle, waiting for Sun Jian's response. He stared at the man in admiration. Though feeling that we was creeping him out, he quickly stopped staring at him.

[Sun Jian]

A grin appeared on his face, "Then you better make sure you are well-trained if you are to join the ranks of the talented men of Jiangdong. I have not seen your skill, but I hope to see you in action some day Zhi Fang".

[Cao Cao]

"I shall not let you down sir!! Though first, is there a place where I can rest? I have had a rough and long journey and I could use some rest."Zhi also grinned at Sun Jian. Zhi has finally found a place he can call home.

[Sun Jian]

Sun Jian smiled, "There is a nice Inn here in Wu for a short stay, but if you wish, I shall arrange some lodgings for you", he paused, "But before I let you go, what do you think of the current situation with China, the current status of the Han and the Yellow Turbans, and the other Regional lords?", to see what this warrior knew.

[Cao Cao]

"The Yellow Turbans is just the beginning. It is like a snowball going down a hill, it will just pick up speed and increase in size. The Turbans have caused several snowballs to begin rolling. The target at the bottom of the hill is...the Han. The Han shall be wiped out and the new vacancy of power shall be sought after by many. The person that shall rule China and bring a new era of peace must be you. That is why I am here. Right now it seems your only threat is Cao Cao..."

[Sun Jian]

Sun Jian smiled as Zhi Fang described what was happening round him, "Though the tides of war are rolling, it will soon put this land into chaos, with nothing to stop it, except someone to clear up the mess and unite the land again, and that shall be us. I shall be happy to have fine officers like you by our side as we unite the land, starting with Jiangdong", he paused, "I will not keep you here any longer, please, have some rest after your long journey".