Si Wang's House

[tonglong]

((This is where you can RP with Si Wang.))

[Lu Xiang]

(Set after Yellow Turbans - Roughly 188AD)

A strong bred white horse entered the gates of Ling Ling, a rare breed far too rich for many of the common folk around these regions. The south was a vastly growing wealthy place to be; be even they lacked common essentials from time to time. China was a tough place to be in the current situation now doubt. With things running wild and a huge Civil War in place. The white robed figure dressed in his traditional gear stepped down from his horse gently before handing the reigns to the stable keeper.

"Take good care of her,"

He said calmly and collectively, his voice was cool and almost harmonic - as if he put as much effort into the word before and after the last. He gently faned himself, brushing the refreshing air to his face before knocking three times upon an estate door. It was niether big nor small. A modest and cosy size. Comparable to something that Zhuge Liang had come from.

Zhuge Liang had alot of sympathy for people who came from a background like him; his father and mother had died early - then his uncle not longer after. He had been without huge figures in his life for a while and was rather independant. No answer?

He knocked again, this time a little louder but still with a delicate tough. He was against anger, and allowing himself to become careless. Why was he here? All would be revealed in good tme, no doubt.

[tonglong]

Si Wang opened the door dressed in a simple blue robe and an apron stained with blood, "Sorry Can I help you?" The smell of fresh meat came from within. Si Wang smiled and laughed saying, "I am sorry I just came across some duck and ox that needs to be cut. I am going to distribute it to the city goers. Please come in mister..." Si Wang said ushering Zhuge inside asking for his name.

The house itself was a very modest design on the inside, however on the inside was a different story. The was a sword rack to the left in the hallway in which the door lead into the house. There were beautiful paintings of waterfalls and meadows along the wall and the floor was nice and polished.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bows gently before being welcomed inside the cosy house. He smiled brightly towards the young man.

"Apologies for not writing to warn you of my audience, however my Lord demanded that I left immediately. I am, Zhuge Liang. Advisor of Lord Liu Bei - Governor of Xin Ye and no doubt you are Si Wang of Ling Ling - are you not?"

He said smiling, bowing again to be in the mans presence. The tales of the mans virtue had reached far and he was a famed heroic with the people of the southlands. Inside the house it was extremely complex and sophisticated; Zhuge Liang was impressed.

"I have come to send my lords good words to you, he respects what you are doing for the people in this city; he offers much the same to the people a little north."

Zhuge Liang explains gently scanning his eyes around the place, truly a treasure and an estate be proud of.

[tonglong]

Si Wang smiled as he slid out of his apron. When Zhuge went to bow Si Wang stopped him and said, "No. I am just a man with a goal. I am like everyone else." Si Wang stated, "The only people that need bowing are the men that sacrifice their lives for such a goal." Si Wang said smiling lightly.

"Lui Bei? I have heard much of him. He is an honorable man. Please tell him I send him my regards." Si Wang said smiling, "However, I must go to the barracks, would you mind coming with me?"

((Sorry party XD))

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang laughed at man, his grace was approved however he was being a little rude. Zhuge Liang would bow no matter what; whether a man was humble or arrogant - modest or cruel. It didn't matter, it was a sign of respect.

"Please accept my humble bow, you are a man of virtue. My lord would feel dishonoured for me not to show such a man my respects."

Zhuge Liang said, finishing his bow before returning to his feet once more and listening to the man speak of Liu Bei. Gently fanning himself with his peacock fan before responding.

"My lord is a great man; much like yourself. I shall inform him of your good words."

Zhuge Liang said before shaking his head towards him.

"Please do lead the way to the barracks, my lord."

He said, he personally wasn't much a fight - however fighting was his knowledge. The most effective ways to fight and destroy his enemies. Allowing Si Wang to lead the way to the barracks.

[tonglong]

Si Wang shook his head and chuckled when Zhuge Liang insisted in bowing but however stopped when Zhuge Liang called him lord, "Please. If there is anything that I ask you to do, it is not call me lord. If you must you can call me sir but not lord." Si Wang said calmly.

As Si Wang lead Zhuge Liang through the streets of Ling Ling and people greeted him graciously and bowed their heads a little, "Sir Si Wang, thank you for the money you lent me. I was able to buy some food for my family. I will pay you back eventually." Si Wang shook his head and smiled, "No it is fine. It wasn't much." "But!" "No please. Its okay." The man smiled and left. Si Wang chuckled and said, "Ever since I became the hero of this place it has gotten alot nicer to live here."

It was true. The city used to be a big slum, however now it had grown since Si Wang placed restrictions on the trade. The kids played out in the street and the people were happier than ever. It was a city of happy people, just the way Si Wang liked it.

They came upon the barracks a few minutes later. The barracks itself was an imposing building. It was two stories and made of stone. The large dark wood door stood with two armed men guarding it. Many other men like them patrolled the city. Si Wang journeyed inside and lead Zhuge to the practice grounds.

"Tell me Zhuge, was the only reason your lord sent you down here is to send his good word,? I am sure that could have been sent through a letter. I mean not to sound rude but this just interesting to me." Si Wang said obviously curious.

Just then a young man ran up to Si Wang saluting, "Commander! We have secured ourselves some horse and more bows sir. We have the soldier training now." Si Wang nodded and smiled, "Thank you Yu Kao." Yu Kao ran off with his majestic black dragon spear in his hands.

"Tell me Zhuge Liang, what do you do for fun?" Si Wang asked.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang laughed, sir rather then lord? Rather unusual however he wasn't going to be rude and accepted the mans request. Bowing back before following him into the town as several locals approached him; thanking him. The man was almost a split image of Liu Bei - Zhuge was glad such people existed.

"Master Si Wang; you truly are a hero to these people."

Zhuge Liang exclaimed waving his fan around; knowing the struggles of poverty. Charity was rare during such times. Money could be used to royalties for yourself rather then giving it to others. No doubt Si Wang had a big heart and cherished his people.

"Ah yes; You are correct. I personally came to inspect your work. No doubt you have exceeded my expectations. My lord wishes me to have an audience with you. Noticing that you are a hero and loyal to your people he is interested in your talented no doubt."

Zhuge Liang laughed, the man was a talented governor as well as a benevolent man. Such men should be praised in times like these; blessed are the peacemakers.

"The war will come to the south, no matter how tranquil we remain out of affairs.. it is only a matter of time before the greedy warlords of the North turn there eyes upon us. If you will not serve beneath my lord Liu Bei; then I would ask of an alliance."

Zhuge Liang replied fanning himself. The unification of China would be a difficult task but friends in such times would be good. Liu Bei was not interested in destroying the good men - he just wanted to restore the land to its former greatness under the Han.

"My lord is of the Imperial Bloodline, I believe he is worthy to rule the lands. He is not an evil man nor greedy. I would like to tell you my plans; however I would rather speak somewhere more private."

Zhuge Liang said fanning himself a little. Understanding not everyone was as loyal as possible. A leak of information could be a crucial downfall. Spies could be anywhere and everywhere. Zhuge Liang was not a fool.

"Recreationally? I am a man of knowledge - sir. Studying or a simple game of Go. I have recently taking up the hobby of travelling and fishing. How about yourself?"

He asked, keeping the conversation flowing whilst inspecting the men of the barracks.

[tonglong]

Si Wang nodded and thought about it for a second stroking his chin. Serve under Liu Bei? He shook his head and said, "No. I couldn't serve him yet. Maybe in the future but not now. I would gladly accept an alliance."

After Zhuge Liang was talking about his plans he smiled and said, "We could go to my office. It is nice and quaint. We could also have some tea while we are there."

Si Wang laughed, "I like to write. I also sing and play qin, many say quite beautifully actually. Do you play any music Zhuge Liang?"

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed, the man had his independance and Kongming respected that. Zhuge himself had been a little uncertain on whether joining Liu Bei at first. But an alliance would suit them both.

"That sounds grand, please lead the way."

He said smiling, fanning himself as usual. Before following Master Si Wang to his officer.

"What do you write? Epics? Poetry? I keep a journal - though I'm best at writing military documents. Ah you indeed, I am a string man, like yourself."

He laughed, bowing his head gently. Sharing talent with string-based instruments and writing to some extent. This man was clearly educated to a high area, considering his current background.

[tonglong]

Si Wang lead him into the barracks and up the stairs. They came to a door at the end of the hallway and opened it. Once again like his house the inside was decorated with paintings and sword racks. However, the paintings were of mountains and waves and there was a long book case behind a desk. In the left corner of the room there was a guqin. Si Wang sat behind his desk and smile graciously offering a nice leather chair in front of it.

"I love playing my guqin, I haven't actually played in a long time. I haven't had the time recently. Anyway Mister Zhuge Liang, I have heard stories of your strategies and of your master's immense devotion to the people. This intrigues me. I hear he is also backed by some good officers, is this true?" Si Wang asked.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed, allow the master of the house to sit first before taking his humble guest seat. The room once again nicely decorated. Zhuge Liang was a much more man of simplicity. It was nice to have treasures, but Liang was a simple man. Requiring nothing more then the robes on his back and his face.

"I don't personally own an instruments, However my old teacher used to allow me to play his. I wasn't too fond of the drums or the flutes and found attraction to the complexity of stringed instruments. My strategies, nothing more then simple ploys - nothing to be praised for - please, you do me too much justice. Liu Bei is growing by the day no doubt, however his strength is still minor compared to the other lords. Everything we lack compared to other lords such as Cao Cao or Yuan Shao, we make up with officer capability. We are all bonded like brothers, assisting one another and the people around us. It is truly something."

He explained before bowing and fanning himself smiling once more. Liu Bei's devotion to his people was no lie; Zhuge Liang disregarded it at first - But it was something of complete benevolence. He hadn't known a man to put his "people" before himself or his own family.

[tonglong]

Si Wang nodded and smiled, "I have no family left. They were all taken from me by corrupt officials. That I why I believe that every man is equal. That is why I hate being called lord. I do it so I don't get tempted to abuse my power. I prefer being called sir. I don't even like being called commander. Ever since they died I have promised myself that I would change the world." Si Wang said with his head down.

He shook his head and looked back up into Zhuge Liang's eyes, "You said something about plans, tell me, what are they?"

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed to the man, sympathy in the greatest. Liang knew what it was like to lose. He lost his mother at a young age and then his father at the age of ten. Before moving into his uncles place and fleeing south - only to have his uncle die as well. The Zhuge family had suffered alot but he lived with his brothers and now Master Liu Bei who offered a family to him. Friendship meant more then blood.

"Equality is something that will raval the world for years to come, are you saying a thief and a murderer and on the same level as you? I cannot judge personally myself. I believe we all have a role in this world; and all deserve a fighting chance - However if abused then people do not deserve equality."

He said finishing and bowing his head before laughing and understanding they were now in peace and a safe enviroment. He gently fans himself, scanning around the room before interlocking his eyes with the man infront of him.

"A man like you doesn't consume himself with political affairs, no doubt. You are a warrior and I respect your profession. You have done alot for the people around here and you are considered a hero. But a hero alone cannot democratically take a city."

Zhuge Liang said, he doubted the man had any knowledge in a court room. Eventually he would be brought to caught for his actions. Being labelled as a upriser and perhaps even sent to be executed if he kept up his ways. The Han governors were not fond of people trying to steal their lands and no doubt this man without family had little or few connections.

"Though what you is doing is good for the land; I would ask you to reconsider. Your actions are only leading to more civil war. Though you are helping the people you are also dragging them in no demise. Its hard to see how, no doubt. But the stubborn prehistorics of the past will not submit to your young inexperienced governing."

Zhuge Liang explained to him, men were old, cold and rebundant. They would have no intentions of handing the lands over, and if Si Wang was to seize it by violence he would only sink to the same level as them.

"I do not insult your intelligence, no doubt you would outsmart me in several other areas, Lord Si Wang. However I would have you re-think your strategy. Taking a land for yourself will upsurp the country into more chaos. The governors will have poor relations with you and feel you do not deserve it. Although they are wrong as you are deservant - I cannot change attitudes."

He said explaining the hierachy. The only reason why Liu Bei had a land was because of his potential Imperial Bloodline and his efforts in the Yellow Turban rebellion. Tao Qian had recommended him. Si Wang had no references.

"You men are outnumbered and your political allys exhausted, you have refused to join Shu- which I understand but I do believe you are fighting a wall here. To be brave is a perk, but if you continue this war you are reckless. You fight with heresy and against the Han. I will not allow you to fight any longer."

Zhuge Liang said, fanning himself somemore before finally finishing.

"My lord wished for me to recruit you, but I am not going to force you to do anything. I only offer my advice. The Han is a fearsome enemy, not one to be made of. If the Imperial Court heres of your behaviour you may be exclaimed as a traitor much like the Yellow Turbans. People do not respect heroes now days, unless they carry a blade and go to war for the Han. I would offer you my own services; however once more even my own charity runs thin. I am a busy man - and this city doesn't extend my lords cause."

[tonglong]

Si Wang shook his head when he spoke of the murderers and theives and said, "No mister Zhuge. I mean that people who can uphold the peace and laws should be treated equally regardless of social status and money."

After Zhuge's speech was done Si Wang smiled and leaned back into his chair. It wasn't a calm smile. Nor a happy. Or a sad. It was maniacal. His eyes widen to show that they were black. His head twitched to the side as he said, "Against the Han? No. I raise no sword against the Han. I raise a sword against injustice. I must say Zhuge," Si Wang said still smiling maniacally, "To boldly state that I would even take over a city with force is against my philosophy. You misjudged me. I respect your lord and your skills, however you should think clearly."

With that a knife flew right past Zhuge's ear and into the wall behind him, "To think that I would take a Han city by force is stupid. The Yellow Turbans are pathetic. Peasants alone cannot win. I know that I speak of heresy when I speak of equality for all men. The emperor is supposed to be the ruler and above all men. I don't believe so. Bloodlines are nothing. I could be related to Sun Tzu and that makes me so much better. Bloodlines are nothing. Its the blood, the sweat, and the tears that the Han Empire was formed. Not of the emperor. The people."

Si Wang smiled, "I don't really consider myself leader of this city. They come to me for advice and money. I would be content following a lord with a righteous soul. Basically right now your blackmailing me. Either I join Shu or die is what your saying." Then Si Wang's got strangely calm and stared into Zhuge's eyes. Si Wang's eyes were cold and lifeless.

"You think I am not political? That is also a lie. I know about the political system of China. I'll tell you what, in my youth I was feared. I put that behind me. However, if the Han thinks I am rebelling but winning the people's support and not forcing myself into this city then fine. Let them come. I will meet them head on. With only myself. I will not danger these people. The come to me because I am smart and can help them." Si Wang explained with disgust obvious in his eyes and voice. His hands and eye started twitching and he laughed maniacally.

Si Wang stood up walking around the room in circles with his entire body twitching and his creepy smile. His eyes with a bloodlust unknown. His body jerking violently. Then suddenly he fell to the floor clutching his ears, "MAKE THEM STOP!" He yelled writhing in pain on the floor. The voices. They screamed in his ears. They told him to kill the man. Kill Zhuge Liang. Si Wang tried to resist it. The voices commanded him from the moment Si Wang stepped into the city.