Incoming Refugees

[Sha Kuang]

Nightfall. It had enshrouded everything in darkness save for the watchtowers atop the city gates of Xin Ye. A large group of people had come from the north, seeking refuge from the wars caused by the yellow turbans. Among these refugees were three individuals, though they were not fleeing the wars, but rather were going towards the man who the group had said was governor of Xin Ye, Lord Xuande. Many claimed he was of imperial lineage, and so based on Kuang's past he decided it would be better to go see him rather than attempt to seek amnesty in the capital. The Emperor was weak and feeble, trusting to eunuchs rather than his officials and generals who had much more experience. Perhaps Liu Bei was of better stock than such a weakling...

Him and his friends were also requested to go with the group to serve as protection. Their numbers would mean they would be less likely to be attacked by bandits, but having warriors in their numbers surely couldn't hurt? His advisor Lu Shi, and himself had formed some of the men into something of a fighting force as protection, but they were still a rabble. Men had no armour and crude bamboo spears. Their training was hasty, but it would suffice for the journey it seemed. It was definitely not a fighting force, but they could defend themselves if needed. Hopefully this would be noticed by more than just bandits.

Throughout the journey they had managed to beat back some small groups, though the bandits probably fled at the mention of Sha Kuang's name. They definitely did not want to cross his path. Sure he had wanted to change his life around, but he wasn't about to let his reputation for being feared go away, and these marauders certainly didn't know his intentions. So the rabble pressed on without being harassed and when their sights had reached the city, a cry of joy came across the people and their orderly group had now turned into a horde; rushing towards the city to try and get in. Sha Kuang's wife Lin Chang, who he called by her Ferghana name Saira rode up to him and said,

[Saira] They don't really think they can get in do they? It's the middle of the night and a large group of people are crying out. They'd be more likely to be attacked than given refuge.

[Sha Kuang] I wouldn't be so quick to think that Saira. From what the people say about Lord Liu Bei, I think he will let them in. Us on the other hand...

He turned to Lu Shi and back to Lin Chang, and chuckled a bit. Surely Liu Bei would allow a courtesan, a criminal, and a famous poet into his city. Lu Shi shook his head and spoke up,

[Lu Shi] Why did you have to make such a name for yourself Kuang? Your reputation precedes itself, and it will surely get us into more trouble than it's worth.

[Sha Kuang] Don't worry yourself, I have a plan for that...

Soon however, they were right outside the gates. Three individuals on horseback, a multitude of people crying for mercy and refuge, some men carrying crude spears... If they weren't thought to be an army; a horrible one at that. Then they would probably be seen as a circus, which is not something that is significantly better to be thought of.

[Liu Bei]

Set the night after Liu Bei returns from his Three Visits to Zhuge Liang

The soldiers were lazing around on the walls, laxing their watch when earthshaking cries were heard below the gate, from on inspection appeared to be a converging mob, in the flicker of their torches they seemed to be armed. The guards panickedly shouted in alarm and the entire city became an uproar, the camps dotted around the city, became restless and frightful.

It didn't take long for the news to reach Liu Bei who was sleeping, he woke up with a start as servants rushed in and announced that there was cries of an armed force throughout the city.

Liu Bei panicked, it was a situation he feared most at this point. Hastily he put on his outer gartments and a coat to shield him from the winter weather. He mounted and rushed to the city wall trying to calm the population as he rode, and sending servants to call for Liao Hua and Ma Liang to join him.

Liao Hua was in deep sleep, the shouts didn't wake him up like anyone else, his attendants shook him awake and explained the situation to the young man. He hurridley scrambled out of men and armed himself, donning his armour and cape he rushed to the city wall to protect his lord. Ma Liang heard the uproar and donning his hat and cloak sped off to the wall also.

* * *

Liu Bei quickly reached and mounted the wall, overlooking the multitude of touches he grew distressed, but hearing their cries of mercy, he stopped to think. Why would they not wait until the morning rather than cause such unrest?

He called down forcing loudness in his voice, it was late, he was alarmed, but he was tired none the less, "Where do all of you hail from? Why are you here in the dead of night causing unrest to the people?"

Xinye was a small establishment but it housed many that had fled the north, so much so that the little city could not house so many, and refugee camps were set up around the city walls.

Liao Hua and Ma Liang arrived shortly and took to Xuande's side, who explained the situation and waited for the answer from the crowd below.

Xinye had but a hundred man fighting force at this point, and that was brought in by Liao Hua when he joined Liu Bei. Not sufficient enough to defend from an attack.

[Sha Kuang]

The throng had awaited some kind of word from the guards. It wasn't long before someone appeared on the wall, who was soon followed by a general and an official. At his address, they all called out where they had been, most of them from various places, and making out anything was just noise. Sha Kuang simply shook his head at their simple mindedness. He rode through the mass of people, who had spread aside for him, and said,

[Sha Kuang] Quiet, all of you. Can't you see you're just making noise? You're definitely not helping the situation.

Immediately the crowd settled down, and Sha Kuang looked up at the man on the wall who had spoken. Sha Kuang wasn't sure who he was, but assumed that seeing as how this was Liu Bei's city, he must be someone of importance, or even Liu Xuande himself. So he quickly gave a warrior's salute from the top of his horse and said,

Sire, we are from the north. All of us here are from numerous places; Qingzhou, Jizhou, Yanzhou, Xuzhou. We have fled from the Yellow Turbans after hearing that many were coming to Xin Ye.

He made a motion with his hand towards all the people, and then continued.

These people you see here come in the night for fear of bandits. Many are skilled tradesmen; carpenters, masons, and such. They don't know how to fight. The ones that had served in the army in some way we formed into a defence force. But there are so few of them to properly do such a thing.

Lin Chong rode up to him, and whispered,

[Saira] Why don't you mention Lu Shi? Surely his fame can vouch for us.

Lu Shi saw this and laughed to himself, and he hushed the couple and said,

[Lu Shi] My lord, do you not know that the poet and scholar Lu Shi is among these people?

[Liu Bei]

Xuande heard the rider out, and replying said, "I cannot say I have heard of a Lu Shi, but I am but an unimportant individual, names don't generally reach my untutored ears. But, I can appreciate your story."

Xuande was about to order the gates opened when Ma Liang intervened, "My lord, exercise caution, you can't just let a vast band of people into the city at this hour. We still don't have indication of the facts." Xuande said as he descended the wall to meet the leaders of the refugees, "I must take the risk, they would only do themselves harm by attacking a defenceless city." Liao Hua, armed hastily followed Xuande, and the two mounted, Ma Liang observed from atop the wall.

The guards threw open the gate and Xuande and Yuanjian rode out, clasping his hands Xuande said, "I am the governor here, Liu Bei. May I be so bold as to ask your names?"

[Sha Kuang]

Lu Shi shook his head... So perhaps he wasn't so famous after all. But still, performing poetry for the Emperor must have meant something though. Though he did not protest, and simply watched with Sha Kuang and Lin Chang as the individual came down from the gatehouse.

Soon the gates were opened, and the individual rode out. Sha Kuang could really take in his features, and he realized that this man was more than what he appeared to be on the gatehouse. He offered his name; Liu Bei. Instantly the people prostrated themselves and began crying for his mercy. Sha Kuang again silenced them, and they simply remained prostrated waiting for the individuals to speak.

Sha Kuang himself had dismounted, as did Lu Shi and Lady Lin, and made a bow of obeisance. He then put his hand around his wife's shoulders and with his left hand pointed to Lu Shi and said with confidence, hoping that Liu Bei had not heard his name.

[Sha Kuang] I am named Sha Kuang, and this is my wife Lady Lin, though I call her by her birth name; Saira. The man to my left, is my friend, the famed poet and scholar Lu Shi.

Lin Chang gave a simple nod of her head to the men, and speaking on behalf of her husband she said,

[Saira] We had wanted to serve the Imperial forces, but these people were fleeing from their provinces due to the Yellow Turbans. They had asked us to accompany them here to Xin Ye, as you were accepting refugees.

Lu Shi then spoke up,

[Lu Shi] Many of these people are skilled trades workers, and can definitely help improve the city. We are at your service, only awaiting your word.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei was put on the spot, the multitudes prostrating themselves before him - he didn't approve of such courtesy directed towards himself. Liu Bei hastily dismounted and bowing on his knees said, "Please rise, we are all on the same level, please don't offer such courtesy, it's not right." Liao Hua stood attentive behind Xuande.

Xuande heard out the three leaders and then rising, approached closer, Liao Hua kept up with him. Xuande proclaimed, "I was in the wrong of assuming you were bandits, I offer my apologies." Xuande took a deep sweeping bow.

He continued, "Times are rough and with disorder in the north, I, of course will take you in if it is refuge you seek, although if I am truthful, I can offer you very little...Housing so many had destroyed the economy in the area, here is poverty stricken by the vast amount of mouths to feed and supplies to purchase. The city is overflowing and as you may have noticed, the people have had to resort to building camps in and around the city."

After a break pause to rest his voice Xuande continued, We work as a united community in upholding our lifestyles, if you could make yourself comfortable I can provide you with the necessities, and I will do my best to supply you. However with a court locked in a power struggle and with a new Emperor upon the throne, support from the court is absent, I would rely on your combined efforts to assist us in this small city."

Xuande clasped his hands before his chest as he continued further, "The three of you are highly loyal, I respect that, if you are interested in upholding the ruling house there is a warm space awaiting you here in Xinye. Many have began to branch off and abandon the dynasty. If you, Master Sha and Lu, and Lady Lin will join together in your virtuous minds and deeds, and assist me in upholding the Han, I would be infinitley indebted to your honours."

[Sha Kuang]

Sha Kuang had listened intently to Liu Bei, he seemed far more than a poor individual who had been placed in command of this city. Sha Kuang had realized that Liu Bei really cared for the plight of the people. But he was concerned with the way Xuande had spoken of him... Loyal? Perhaps, but it appeared to Kuang that Liu Bei had never heard of his criminal escapades.

He didn't want to mention this, mostly because he was unsure of Liu Bei's thoughts regarding former criminals. Though he did think that it seemed a bit careless of the man to be so accepting of rather new people. He hadn't even heard of Lu Shi, and this somewhat bothered him, but he decided to give the man the benefit of the doubt. He spoke up,

[Sha Kuang] Your apologies are accepted, though I am a bit perturbed. You had assumed us as bandits before, and you had every intention of doing so. However your complete turnaround confuses me slightly, since you have not even asked us of our backgrounds... Apart from Lu Shi's that is.

Saira on the other hand had made her own observations of this, and being that she was somewhat headstrong she was willing to speak out and let her thoughts be known. She walked up slowly towards Liu Bei, so that he could hear better, and quietly speaking to him so that the multitude would not make out her words and said,

[Saira] If the economy has been destroyed by so many people, and poverty is at an all time high, then why do you continue to let people come? Surely welcoming them is a good thing, saving them from their deaths... Only to have them come to a prolonged death.

She closed her eyes and put her head down slowly. She knew she was out of turn in speaking this, but she simply had to speak her mind. The people needed help, obviously. But to help people without even having the means to help them? She simply could not understand.

Lu Shi meanwhile had taken in the situation. The economy was in shambles in Xin Ye, that could be certain. But with these trades workers who had come would certainly help. They brought with them their money and even their goods from the cities they had left. These people would definitely be a boom to the city. So he spoke up, saying

[Lu Shi] My lord, you mention the economy. But these people have not only brought themselves, but their families, goods, and money. This will be a boom for Xin Ye, they can expand the city and create new buildings, employ those who are already here to work for them, and their goods will bring in trade money to Xin Ye.

He paced a bit, placing his right hand on his chin and resting his left hand between the crook between his sword and belt and continued,

Though this isn't really the place to discuss this, but if you created a tax amnesty for a year, you could bring substantial growth in Xin Ye.

It was clear that while Liu Bei had not known of Lu Shi, he was already beginning to show his qualities as a scholar and an intellectual. His main area of expertise was poetry, but he was well versed in administration and innovative ideas. Perhaps they could go into the city and discuss it further between themselves and Liu Bei's officials.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei sighed as he replied to Sha Kuang, "Pasts mean little when judged the present, four years ago I was a mere shoe maker who joined the volunteer forces in the north to fight the rebels. Now I am the governor of Xinye, I never thought such a question necessary for an introduction." Take Liao Hua here standing beside me, but a few months ago I was at his, an outlaw's mercy a sword against my neck, he has reformed his ways, that is what I mean. "If you want to explain your situation to me, then you are welcome to. In my situation I am somewhat isolated from the world, my humble ears have not heard of many a person."

As Lady Lin moved forward Liu Bei turned his attention towards her and answered her question with a bow, "I continue to accept because cannot resign them to their fates, I cannot simply refuse them. Especially so after they have lost everything to the fighting in the north. The lush forests around this country seat are sufficient enough, for them to choose to stay."

Then to Lu Shi, he replied, "What the people brought with them in their plight was only personal items, what money they had was lost to the famine, to rebel raids or gone, I have drained the cities treasury in relief, but what I have done has had little effect, I have abolished taxes already to provide further relief, four years of this has had little effect, since we cannot generate cash out of nowhere."

Xuande stroked his beard as he continued, "My own commonplace abilities nonwithstanding, perhaps you three fine people will assist me here and support me in aiding the people? You are learned and have ideas on how to help the people."

Ma Liang meanwhile had dozed off on the wall after a long day.

[Sha Kuang]

It seemed he was perhaps not clear enough, as Liu Bei seemed to think he was talking about the previous people who had come for refuge to Xin Ye, and Lu Shi shook his head at this, and then spoke up regarding his previous comment and Liu Bei's reply to it, and said,

[Lu Shi] You misunderstand me my lord, but I am referring to the people who came with the three of us. Many of them have considerable wealth, and sold off their estates in the north so that they would not lose their assets to the Turbans. They have brought these things with them, which is why many of them do not know how to fight... They have never served because of their wealth. These are the people who will help to rebuild Xin Ye.

Meanwhile Lin Chang and Sha Kuang had waited to reply, but attempting to refute or add anything they believed was not needed. Many of the people had begun to fall asleep, and some were snoring loudly. Seeing this, Sha Kuang spoke on behalf of them all and said,

[Sha Kuang] Lord Liu Bei, as much as it is enjoyable to speak with you outside of the city, it is rather late. I presume you and your men are tired, and many of these people have begun to fall asleep because of their long journey. Should we not retire into the city and continue on the morrow?

Lin Chang herself was also feeling the effects of being tired, and she placed her hand around Sha Kuang's waist and rested her head upon her shoulder. Her war hound Tigersoul had crept up along side her, he sniffed in the direction of Liu Bei and Liao Hua and furrowed his brow, but detecting no threat from them towards his master he relaxed and Lin Chang placed her hand upon his head, patting it in a comforting manner.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei bowed and apologized for his mistake, "Sorry, Master Lu I must have misheard, if you have such people among your party then perhaps this little city is not stuck at a dead end afterall."

Liu Bei nodded to Shi Kuang as he finished speaking, "Such would be appropriate, I have no accomodation for so many, however there is many camps perhaps your men could settle in with our existing refugee's for now while we draw up some plans of rennovation? In the meantime I would request that you three honour me with your presence inside."

Xuande was about to invite them in when he spotted a large hound appear and inspect his scent, he was intimidated by it's massive structure at first but he eased when the hound showed no sign of hostility, it was an unfamiliar breed to Xuande, he grew up in poverty and became accustomed to a good many dogs when he sold shoes on the streets, they kept him company, when he was lonely in those times.

Inviting the three to follow him he remounted his horse, as did Liao Hua. Xuande kept an obvious eye of interest on the warhound among the three.

[Sha Kuang]

Lu Shi put up his hands to the comment, as if to take and weather the burden himself. Clearly he believed it to be because he had not spoken clearly, nor did he wish to assert himself and possibly offend this regional lord. So he spoke in a calm manner and said,

[Lu Shi] Do not worry about it my lord. It was my fault for not speaking clearly. But indeed, these people with us will help to bring Xin Ye back to prosperity, and even more.

After he had finished, Sha Kuang nodded to Liu Bei's suggestion, and waiting for him to return to the city, he got those who were asleep to be roused and to move into the camps for the time being. They had been in much worse situations while making camp as they had fled, at least there was a city wall and troops here that gave them some degree of comfort.

Meanwhile Sha Kuang lightly picked up his wife and carried her to his horse, and helping her to mount up he grabbed the reigns of her own, and held them in his hand as he mounted his own horse, Saira then cuddling up against him, and resting her head against his chest, as she was slowly beginning to nod off to sleep.

Tigersoul simply followed along, and the people began to move into the refugee camps, ready to sleep through the night and rest for a new day tomorrow. They were all dispersed, and Sha Kuang and his wife and friend decided to make their way to the palace at the behest of Liu Bei.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei called for Ma Liang as they entered the city - no responce. A guard hurried down from the wall and told him Jichang had fell over, asleep. Liu Bei said taking off his own cloak and handing it to the guard, "Keep him warm, we don't want Master Ma freezing in this winter weather." The took off and covered Ma Liang, and kept him company.

As they were riding through the streets, Xuande addressed Sha Kuang, "I will put you up at my residence, it's small but there's two rooms and it will meet your needs. As I have no family to occupy it, feel free to make yourself at home with your wife and Master Lu." So saying Xuande led them to the residence, where he told the guards to permit them access, and the attendants to see to their needs.

"We can speak further when the sun rises." Raising his hands in salute Liu Bei offered a goodbye to the three, "Have a good rest, you will be able to find me in the yamen when you arise.Master Sha, Master Lu, Lady Lin." Xuande bowed and turned his steed, and made his way to the yamen, where he would go and catch himself some sleep, Liao Hua also went back to sleep.

[Sha Kuang]

Sha Kuang smiled, it would be a great honour to be housed in Liu Bei's residence. The man was surely generous. Though at first Kuang had not known where Xuande would sleep, he assumed there was a place for him to stay in the government buildings. He raised his hands in salute to Liu Bei and said,

[Sha Kuang] Thank you my lord, we would be most honoured to stay here.

Afterwords he helped Lin Chang off the horse, she had already nodded off on the short ride towards the city, and he carried her into the house and placed her on one of the mats used as a bed. He was beginning to feel tired to, so he lay down beside her, draping his arm across her.

Lu Shi meanwhile was not exactly tired, and so he sat up in his room with a small flask of wine and a scroll and brush. He was attempting to compose a short poem, but he couldn't think of the words to say. So he took some sips from the flask and began to ponder for a moment, wondering of a topic to choose from. And then it came to him. He whispered it as he wrote.

Sunflowers in the field are purest green,
The morning dew waits for the sun to dry it.
The warm spring spreads around its favours,
Ten thousand things are growing in the radiance.
I often fear that autumn's season will come,
Flowers and leaves will yellow and wither and wane.
The hundred rivers flow east towards the sea,
When will they come back to the west again?
If the young and vigorous do not work hard,
In old age, they will be sorry in vain.

Content with this, he left the scroll on the table to let the ink dry. Taking up his flask again, he had one more sip and then smiled. He laid down on the mat, and closing his eyes he soon fell into a deep sleep.