Cao Cao's Palace

[Xiang Yu]

The large Palace is offset by the extravagant gardens that surround its perimeter; leaving trails throughout the east and west block where they unite again at the back of the palace. Inside the front doors lead you to the open reception area, where ministers and attendants put up their displays and take in the needs of the masses. The reception area is joined by two rooms in the back where ornaments are held and upstairs is the prefectural chamber where the ruler resides in the evening.

Beyond the rooms of decorations is the council chamber, followed on by the throne room that sits adjacent to the opposing wall. Cao Cao can be found at the back of the throne room on his chair of judgement. The only thing that decorates his room is the polished furnishings of the carpets and the candles that illuminate his walls. A few tables with books and scrolls can also be found scattered across the room.

Come here to seek an audience with Cao Cao, or make a thread with (Cao Cao) in the name so that I am aware it is for me.

[Zhang Liao]

Zhang Liao stops by the palace, he thinks that there might be a lord worthy of his talents and dismounts off his horse and goes through the gates, he hands his horse to a private that was near.

He then walked all the way to throne room, were he hoped to see this lord. He walks in and sees someone on the throne and he bows.
I am Zhang Liao from Mayi, seeking for a worthy lord of my talents

[Xiang Yu]

Cao Cao listened to the general before him with keen interest. The man held himself well, a strong frame, sharp eyes and a booming voice to echo across the four realms of the world. He was a general, through and through – and Cao Cao found himself nodding in approval before him.

“Please.” He said at last, beckoning a hand to a maid to bring refreshments, “You have come to seek a worthy lord, and yet you fail to express the values of such a noticeable man.”

He smiled, and rose as Zhang Liao was seen to by the maid. “Surely you know of my repute, and of my achievements, but let this not be so formal.”

He walked over to his table, where scrolls lay in piles and where cups lay unoccupied, “You look strong, and I am sure the name rings true, surely there is only one Zhang Liao.”

He smiled again, “It is indeed a pleasure to meet you, but tell me, what is it you see in this troubled land – what height will you scoop to to see this land rise from the ashes of political strife and chaos. Tell me, man of talent – what you desire!”

[Zhang Liao]

Zhang Liao follows Cao Cao to the table, I desire to prove my worth in this chaos and to learn the path of the warrior and i believe you can take me on that path.

He stops to take a drink of tea, And my answer to the political strife is that we need a strong ruler not a weakling on the throne, someone who knows what its like to be on the battle field, someone who fought face to face with his opponent, and I believe that this is you

[exiled]

He had joined Mengde but a few months ago and already in that time he had made a name for his self. Xu Shu was a young man, filled to the very brim with potential and ability, indeed for some the very mention of his name brought an intake of air, all brought upon through the thought and anticipation of what the man might just be bringing to Wei.

Maybe marvelled at the way in which he progressed through that invisible barricade Cao Cao held up before him, preventing all but the best inside his inner circle. Whilst not quite there yet, Xu Shu was surely some way into becoming one of Cao Cao's more listenable and interesting figures in his palace.

"Indeed the man speaks truth, yet my Lord Cao Cao without doubt you have already come to that conclusion."

Xu Shu interjected, his voice speaking up through the speech of the two soon to be reknowned men. Unlike most Xu Shu did not fear his voice to be heard, but nor did he needlessly comment, which is why the sound of his advisor would undoubtedly intrigue Mengde.

"But yet a man does not merely walk within these walls with a claim of power, he proves his worth, yet you impress me that you have come so far and my lord has not lifted such an eyebrow as I."

A smirk appeared on Xu Shu's face, whether it was because he knew his words might seem out of place to his lord, something that might likely get him scolded, or perhaps it was the next flow of words he was about to speak that truly caused his amusement and enjoyment.

"My lord if I may be so bold here, I have a suggestion." He tried to choose his words carefully, not wanting to change the mood of the conversation too much away from his lord, nor wanting this stranger to have such an easy entry. "If he can best me in combat, with training weapons of course, then indeed he is the man we both believe he may be, but if he fails, then perhaps he is no more worth than an ordinary foot soldier."

Then he bowed, in his own way apologising for his perhaps misplaced entry into the conversation, yet like any of the three famous ones - Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong and indeed Xu Shu, he was not to be one to be looked past for too long, nor brushed aside without good reason.

[Zhang Liao]

Oh so this is the intelligent Xu Shu that I have heard about, you are right but what makes you think you stand a chance with me in a duel? I can beat you with one arm tied behind my back with a training sword in my free hand. He takes another sip of his tea. Also if I may ask what did you do in order to became lord Cao Cao's advisor?

[exiled]

The warrior spoke up, certainly feeling begrudged out of an immediate promotion into Mengde's forces, something Shu could understand and he would have likely felt the same way had he not so easily stepped into the halls and gained what he wanted from the beginning. Yet whilst Xu Shu had been fortunate, he was no man's punching bag, and whilst this was by no means a verbal fight, the voice of Xu Shu bit back, though his sting was intentionally lowered, all the time keeping his real thoughts in the rear of his mind.

"What I did to attain my fortunate position is of no use talking of here, each has his own path and his own crossroads and I am offering you a blessing in disguise. Take for instance you current situation had I left you to it - you would likely be walking out right at this moment after a bow and a parting thanks, soon to be getting you equipment and your living quarters sorted, waiting for that one day you get your big chance."

Xu Shu had so far spoken fluently, his voice calm, his expression calmer still, yet beneath his unchanged face there was a truth within his words.

"Now I am giving you the option to fight me, an officer in my lord's army, not just a mere advisor. I was a warrior much like yourself before I took to the book and underestimating me as such has so far done nothing to quell my small niggling doubt about you."

The last part was surely a small knife in Zhang Liao's hopes of gaining rank, but Xu Shu was always one to knock someone down before he rose them back up, this to Shu was tough love and one day Liao would thank him for it.

"I do not doubt you have what it takes to best me, but perhaps you should be looking at your weapon to do your talking."

The last part spoken with a smirk once more on his face, showing his more playful nature, giving Liao a hint that his more harsher words were for his Lord's benefit more than Liao's. Xu Shu was a manipulator in many regards and he had done well in getting the more passionate side of Zhang Liao out, now came the time when he waited for his Lord's approval, for none of this could go ahead without his say so, regardless of how irritated Xu Shu made Liao or how much Xu Shu wanted to prove his doubter wrong.

[Xiang Yu]

Cao Cao listened to the words of Zhang Liao as he sipped his wine. He was right, though he showed no signs of it as his mind was taken aloof by the interjection of his most prized advisor, Xu Shu. Xu Shu had served him for several months now, and he could still remember their fateful meeting beneath the shower of blood and guts.

“He saved my life.” He finally stated, turning to Zhang Liao whilst absorbing all that had been said. He did not mind the challenge, and he gazed ahead with interest as he observed the two men bicker before him. It was funny, but in actuality he watched the heat rise from both men, rivalry, he thought, something to keep men in check when peace existed.

“You would be a fool to underestimate a man.” He continued, though smiling, “What you do not see you do not know, and that is why Xu Shu will always be an advisor, for his picture is much sharper than that of a generals.”

He nodded his head as he finished, still smiling, yes, he was proud of Xu Shu – though the advisors reprisal to his own bearing did come as a shock. He had known to question Liao’s ability, but the name was known, and his ideals set. He did not originally see the point to the challenge, but now that Liao had spoken – he was very intrigued to see such a pair fight.

“You shall fight.” He eventually commanded, before waving his arms frantically to draw the attention of the guards. “Yes, it shall be done, please.”

He had two wooden sword produced, each identical to the other. “This is not a fight of strength alone. I am intrigued Zhang Liao, I am intrigued to see your strength and prowess faced against a man who is sleek with actions and words.”

He smiled gleefully, turning his head and grasping for another bottle of wine. Yes, he would certainly enjoy this slight distraction. “Though…should anything befall either participant…severe repercussions will be put in place. Now…begin.”

He sat back as he signalled for it to begin. It would only be a brief exchange, a sign of prowess among peers.

“Though.” He added, gazing now at no one, “You are right to assume I will rise.”

His eyes glazed over, and for a moment he felt cold inside. He watched his men get prepared, for they had now been ordered to do it. “This will be interesting to see. To watch such talent among zhongyuan face each other in a contest of wits and skill.”

He smiled, and it began.

[Zhang Liao]

Zhang Liao smirks and says to himself," this will be fun". He gets up and bows respectfully to Xu Shu, " Forgive my outburst and i will happily accept the duel.

He grabs a training sword and waits for Xu Shu move," oh one more thing lord Cao Cao, is it true that you have Zhou Yu as an officer in your forces?

[exiled]

No doubt Cao Cao wanted some entertainment as gave the order for them to exchange blows. Xu Shu was perfectly aware of what was expected of him and he once more stamped down what he had to do 'make sure you don't hurt the guy, and make sure he doesn't hurt you'. Like any man who held such a position Xu Shu had an ego and he sure as hell thought he would, should and could win this battle of styles, but he would be the first to admit it too.

"Zhang Liao, I wish you luck."

The advisor did and it showed with a respectful nod of the head before he turned to his side and took one of the two weapons brought out for the occasion. He run the 'blade' across his finger as if testing its power, but of course it was wood and again he twirled the weapon in his wrist, warming up ready for combat. The most worrying part was the way the weapon so easily flowed in the air in a way only the most skilled swordsman could consistantly accomplish.

"Okay I'm ready, but I'm not one to wait."

He was known for calm, pre-thought and planning, yet that so easily presumed strategist packed a punch. Surely his game was to catch Liao off guard, for Xu Shu being less stocky and more slight would surely leave the idea of a sudden attack off the cards. Like a tiger which leapt at its prey, he feet jolted forward, taking out the few feet parting the pair within second and lashing out from a diagonal upwards right to downwards left, he slashed towards his enemy, a standard move for any man who ever touched a sword.

Now it had begun and Xu Shu had took the advantage, catching Zhang Liao hopefully before he had time to properly set himself up for an effective counter attack, attacking hopefully when his balance was off and his brain trained towards other things, hopefully this would be a quick and easy win for Xu Shu.

[Zhang Liao]

Zhang Liao prepared for this and instantly moved out of the way of the attack, he then continued to use his training blade and tripped Xu Shu who was off balance cause me dodging his attack.

Xu Shu fell and Zhang Liao allowed him to get back up if he wished," I know your better than that come on try to hit my shoulder atleast", he said as Xu shu got up

[exiled]

Xu Shu had bridged the gap between the two well, his footing was near perfection as he moved with speed but control. It seemed the warrior had underestimated the palace advisor at his own peril. As the sword of Liao twisted down as to trip Xu Shu up he would be met with something far different than he had first thought.

Xu Shu's weapon came tumbling down from its strike, but with a simple twist of his wrist and a new direction it met the lowered blade of Zhang Liao, ultimately making his move null and void and more so the cocky warrior completely open without any noticable defences.

The momentum was now in Shu's favour, for pushing onto the weapon of Zhang Liao meant the warrior's weapon would be either forced back or held in place, this is where Shu was so dangerous. Knowing the situation Shu hopped back but a foot, enough to have the reach and enough to give himself the safe distance from Zhang Liao.

He let go of the weapon deadlock that would surely unfold, or if it did not the same rules would surely apply. Deeming Liao as someone with brute strength over real fore-thought he would suspect he would try and overpower the deadlock and with Shu's hop back and release that would only result in a wild, low-ranged swing with no real control. Xu Shu was fully ready and aimed a quick stab towards the ribs of Liao, something he suspected would be very hard to defend against in such a situation.

//rushed at the end sorry

[Zhang Liao]

Zhang Liao dodged they jab which would of hurt him badly if he didn't, when he dodged he had an idea that could stop this duel and win it for him. when he dodged he noticed how low it was so he attempted to step down on it which would throw Xu Shu off guard and hopefully disarm him as well

[exiled]

A miscalculation from the warrior once more brought Xu Shu into an advantageous position, surely winning more favour from his lord in the process. Xu Shu was showing himself to be more than just a sharp mind, indeed his fighting skills seemed to be but another edge to his abilities. What happened next was sure to finish the fight off and prove to everyone in that room that to underestimate your opponent can be disasterous.

Liao had dodged and brought his foot up to step on his Shu's blade, but the problem was simple for the man who had requested employment - Xu Shu's blade had been heading for the rib section, and area of the body that no man could reach with his own foot in such a short space of time. Shu was now ruthless in his end and moved forward again with a timely step to the right. His left arm moved down to scoop up the leg of Liao whilst his right hand moved in again for a stab.

It was simple as that, and surely the finishing touch, for with only one leg on the ground, Liao would have serious difficulties in his balance and with either circumstance, Shu's blade would always be aimed for its mark and with such a close quarter involved, Liao would have little chance to backstep, jump nor move in any direction and taking into consideration of Liao's weapon, his lack of use in his last move would deem it of far less danger and in any case Shu's blade would still penetrate before Liao's would move to do likewise.

// Unless you can get out of this tricky situation the duel is over and of course with it being a spar it wont even hurt your character

[Xiang Yu]

Cao Cao watched the two generals with pride, before stepping forth and announcing the duel to end. He had seen Zhang Liao’s valor and honour, but in the end it had meant little when compared with the skills of a much sharper man.

“Enough.” He said, though his face was lightened and he smelled the frustration within the air. Zhang Liao and Xu Shu had fought and a rivalry would surely come to pass.

“You have both fought valiantly, but Xu Shu seems to have easily won this encounter, but do not take defeat lightly Zhang Liao. Xu Shu has been guided through his martial prowess – and once he stood as the defeated. Be proud, be proud that Cao Wei fields such generals and know that your place – your only place is among us!”

He turned to Xu Shu, smiling and nodding. He would praise the advisor later, when elusive ears would not intrude, “You have served me well, but time is of the essence.”

He returned to his seat, beckoning its call with his robes before pulling out the scrolls he had received. He did not wish to recite the words of other governors, but his plans needed to be listened too.

“It is time we act.”

He turned to Zhang Liao, and gazed at him for a moment, “You are a known, powerful general – join me Zhang Liao, and together let us carve a new era through the turmoil that spoils these lands. I cannot be any more courteous, but truth be told – I seek your employ.”

He smiled rigidly, and turned an eye to Xu Shu. If the man accepted he would jump straight to diplomatic talk. It was time for the turbans to die, but even he knew of a much greater threat rising to occasion.