Encounter with Hero of Chaos

[Jiang Wei]

Jiang Wei, after travelling for a long distance from Tian Shui, has finally arrived at Chen Liu. He walked to the Palace's gates and approached one of the guards.

"My name is Jiang Wei. I am an native of Tian Shui. I would like to see Lord Cao Cao about enlisting in his army..." said the young man as he rested his double war trident across his shoulder.

While awaiting reply, Jiang Wei could not help but wondered at the marvelous sight of Chen Liu. This Hero of Chaos...Cao Cao. Surely he could make the land a better place under his rule...right? He then lowered his weapon and bowed toward the guard.

"Please allow me an audience with Lord Cao Cao!" said Jiang Wei confidently.

[Xiang Yu]

Xiabi had spent the evening patrolling the city when the man approached. He was young, maybe no older than twenty two and carried himself within an aura of strength, justice and nobility. He was of course a warrior, a man trained for the duties of war, something that Xiabi looked back on and could honestly admit that he missed. He was bored of patrolling, bored of fixing the remnants of the turban bases and scouting the city for bandits and traitors. He was tired of it all.

Still, he could not complain under the new administration, and he held himself tall as the man stepped closer, declaring his name and intention. He did not know the nature of the mans business, but he had recalled Cao Cao’s promise, and those who scouted able-bodied officers were always the first to receive promotion. Xiabi grinned at the prospect.

“Please.” He stated clearly, “Please come with me. Feel free to keep your weapon. The palace is secure and Cao Cao, as a man of literature and war knows how important it is for a warrior to bear their weapons.”

He turned quickly and then beckoned for the man to follow him through the bust streets of Chen Liu. It was certainly refreshing, and the city had improved drastically within the last few weeks. Markets prospered and the city was again in peace and order.

They arrived at the palace, and Xiabi escorted the man up to the throne room where he beckoned for the young general to enter.

“Cao Cao will see you now.” He finally said, and then turned away to continue his duties.

Cao Cao was sat among the tables and scrolls of his ancestors and heroes. Scrolls of the art of war and the books from Zhang Liang all spread across his table. He did not read them, but he showed all men who came before him his ability in tactical warfare. It was reassuring, or so he had always thought, and as Jiang Wei entered the room the young Hero of Chaos beckoned him with a nod and a smile.

“Please.” He said, “Step forward and state your business here in Chen Liu?”

[Jiang Wei]

Jiang Wei entered the room and saw this Hero of Chaos in person. He was young but there is something about him that seem to disgust him...He knew that this person cannot be really trusted. He has this aura that he could not describe. This strange aura that seem to promote death and hatred as well as ambition. He bowed with his Double War trident in his hands and then raised his head to meet Cao Cao's eye level.

"Lord Cao Cao, before I state my business in Chen Liu, might I be worthy enough to know what great plans do you have for the lands?"

Jiang Wei for the first time sensed fear and multiple horrible feelings stirring up within him...Perhaps this man was not the person he meant to serve...Then who else is, he wondered to himself.

[Xiang Yu]

Cao Cao smiled gingerly as Jiang Wei spoke. He did not mind the reprisal, though he was disappointed to see such a man of youthful skill falter so easily behind the ideals of others. He was judged, and he could tell by the way the man bowed before him that he was being doubted – a sight he had not yet grown accustomed too.

“My Plans.” He started, appearing almost as if in question, “I plan to secure this nation, as my ancestors did beneath the Han Empire. I plan to dispel the corruption and the yellow turbans that plagued these very walls. I plan to bring change, but a change that will enlighten the people and bring order and peace back within the country. These are the things I plan to do.”

He stood tall, lifting his body from his chair before putting it to one side. He was not tired, for he had slept enough these past few days that he had almost forgotten his earlier trials in war, and yet even with that knowledge, he could still feel a drowsiness wash over him as he gazed down at the man.

“The Han empire is in need, I merely plan to extend to them my favour, as an ancestor to the ministry of the empire.”

He dipped his head at last, and then smiled softly. He wondered what this Jiang Wei would do next?

[Jiang Wei]

Jiang Wei could not help but feel amazed and impressed at Cao Cao's answer. His facial expression turned from nervousness to becoming cool and calm. There are things respectable of this man called the Hero of Chaos. However, he has one remaining question before he has no problem joining this man in his conquest...

"Lord Cao Cao, pardon me for asking this directly, but will you do anything...Anything to accomplish that noble ambition of yours. Will you be willing to strike down anyone...that include innocents to meet that target?"

Jiang Wei's youthful and handsome face seemed to be filled with doubt that this man...will he bring prosperity to the land or disaster? He could not help but wondered about Cao Cao's next crucial answer.

[Xiang Yu]

Cao Cao mused over the man’s words as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He did not take the general seriously, but the man’s bombardment of questions acted only as a deterrent to his ideals. He did not know how to answer the question he had been presented with. It had never occurred to him what he would do next, so he just gazed at the man a while longer, smiling.

“I will do anything it takes to see my ambition realized, and if that means I must do one dishonorable thing to achieve victory – then I shall do one dishonorable thing.”

He rose from his chair, gazing down at the man before him. “I do not think you are of any use to my ambition. If you think that honour means anything on the battlefield, if being virtuous or courteous saves lives then you’re a fool.”

He walked down the steps, his guards joining him as they turned to face Jiang Wei once more, “In the end I would do anything to bring peace and prosperity, and if that means betraying the world – then I will do it, for I would rather betray the world than allow the world to betray me”

[Jiang Wei]

Jiang Wei could not help but feel contempt for the Hero of Chaos. What an evil man...he thought. Sure, he was impressed by Cao Cao's wisdom and courage but for someone like him to rule over the land? He would be a tyrant or a dictator at least. The young man of Tian Shui thought it hard over. He should never serve this man because his mother said that only the virtuous ruler in the land has the right to rule over the land and for that, he should serve that man.

Cao Cao was not that person Jiang Wei was searching for but he hoped that he would never become his enemy, for he would be a strong foe who would be difficult to defeat. With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Wei then spoke his mind.

"Lord Cao Cao, even if you betray the world than allow the world to betray you, surely that one day, you shall feel remorseful for what you have said today. Only the righteous and the virtuous man in this land can only impress and earn respect. With earning respect of able men, only then they gain power. Lord Cao Cao, speaking with you has indeed broaden my knowledge. For that, I thank you. Farewell! I hope we will meet again soon..."

Jiang Wei then turned to leave the throne room, taking his double war trident with him. He did not look back at Cao Cao as his back was turned to the famous Hero of Chaos. Perhaps, his next destination lies somewhere across the land of Ancient China...

(OOC: Sorry for replying so late, I guess Jiang Wei will go serve another man...)