Meeting Liu Bei (Liu Bei)

[legenofwar]

The time is winter were you can see the snow that is falling gently from the sky and the wind that blows harshly towards your face making you freeze in place hopping you get coverage fast. The rivers and lakes are all frozen by the temperature and the trees were all dead and gray without any leafs that are left. Trees were pretty wide closing that it is pretty loaded that you could not see true the forest. The wall of the city of Yong An had ice on it that was frozen on and also you could also see some snow that was also frozen to make it even more solid then if it was only the wall without the snow and ice. The city had a small amount of snow on the building and the street seems to have been cleared by the walking of the guard and also of the citizen of this city.

Wu Ban was walking on the street that is going toward the city to be able to speak with the one they call Liu Bei. Liu Bei is the best warrior that is fighting for virtue and also peace of the land and also for the people. He was happy to hear that the rumours said he was looking for people to serve under him as a officer that can be able to use him. He was ready to risk his life for the people around him and the city itself. He was freezing cause of the temperature he was enduring walking in the snow that reached around the height of his knees. He could finally see the walls of the city that was located in front of him around two hundred feet or so. He saw the two guards located in front of the gate that were also wielded with both a spear and a bow.

He is still walking toward the city having trouble lifting his feet from being tired and the snow that was not helping him. All of the sudden he hears someone from the woods that is screaming her lungs out at this weather which was not good and was obvious that she was in real trouble or why else would they scream this time of the year he thought to himself. He runs toward the voice having trouble walking dodging the trees while running in trying to find who was screaming just to be able to help them before something awful happens to her or if it was a him that had a really high pitch voice then him. He finally reached the location of the voice seeing a young girl running toward him trying to get away from the ten bandits that were trying to harm her. She had long black hair and almost naked since that her clothes were ripped pretty badly that all she had left was basically her bra and panties which was not enough for the temperature of this day.

“Run home miss I will make sure they do not bother you once more. When you see the guard of the city tell them that there is a man fighting against bandits just in case I need help or they see dead people and blame me of being a murderer.”

The girl was running away from the forest and he was in front of the group of bandits that were not happy to see him exactly. There were five circling him and the leader were behind the four others that were with him. The leader seemed to be watching to see the skill of the warrior that came along since he knows that he could use some better warriors to work with him. He saw that from the posture of Wu Ban bending his knees a bit giving him better leverage and holding his weapon talented and ready to execute his enemies that were in front of him even if they all come toward him at the same moment.

Ban was against five bandits that were all around him. The first one ran at him with a sword and the second one was shooting a bow at him. He goes and reflect the sword and while he was reflecting the sword he was hearing something that was coming at him really fast that made him move his head to the right letting the arrow pass the side of his helmet that you heard a scratching sound metal on metal then the arrow continued and hits the bandit that tried to kill Ban with the sword in the middle of the forehead and went straight true to the other side. The blood was dripping for five second before that he fell on his knees then forward letting go to his sword next to his dead body.

Ban looked at the one that felt guilty for killing the other that was his best friend that made him fall in his knees crying. Ban did not have any respect crying during a fight was not the thing to do you need to stay strong during a fight was what going on in his mind and has the spear then decided to take the sword of the dead bandit and decapitated his body. The head with its open eyes fell forward while the rest of the body fell from behind the blood was painting the snow in a pink color but yet Ban did not feel any guilt killing these bandits since in his mind all bandits should die one by one since all they do is cause trouble for the people that actually works to keep this a safer place that is why Zhang Jue is dead and also Dong Zhuo because they deserved their own head placed on a plate and serve to their kingdom cause they only caused trouble to the people in the worst possible time.

He still had seven more bandits to slay at this day and there leader that seems to be smiling or laughing whichever it is was not going to be a good sign. The leader walked toward Ban slowly and asked the rest to leave. He knew that Ban was too strong for them and that he will need to either recruit him or stall him before that he can get to their leader. Being the chief of these ten was not much of a resume to scare someone that has the talent like this man to fight against so he had his sword ready to battle. Wu Ban having his spear ready to fight against this man that seems to have something to say so he let him speak.

“You are quite a site to see when you battle my friend why do you want to join the man of virtue when my leader may make you richer then your dreams would ever give you?”

“You are bandit and in my book all bandits deserve their death at this day so the people can go on and are free from this misery. I will not rest until all of you are buried under the frozen ground so the people can be in piece while I am resting in my own cold grave.”

The Chief of the bandits was surprised from the way the man responded but he knew this means he had to fight this man even if he did not want too. He runs toward Ban throwing one of his sword going for a cheap shot and instead Ban caught it with his hand by the blade. The blade cut through the glove making him bleed a bit but he throws it back at the bandit sideways and cuts his head off as clean as possible the blade went through like there was nothing in the way. The body of the bandit were on the ground and now Wu Ban was holding his hand that was bleeding itself and started to walk once more towards the gate. He was exiting the forest when there was to gads standing there.

“Did you kill the bandits that tried to hurt the girl that you send her back home? I was afraid that we were to save you since she said there were ten of them against you and looking at you I am not surprised you been successful on defeating them.”

“I tried but there chief stopped me from killing seven of them from sacrificing himself. I felt some shame killing him but since he was a bandit I am glad that he is now dead. May I for two things the first one is that I would like to see a doctor for bandages for my hand and the second favour is to be able to have a moment of Liu Bei time I would like to ask him to join his army to free this land of the chaos and destruction that these people had started.”

One of the two guards was walking with him to bring him to the doctor for the hand injury he was enduring from the battle and the other was getting there lord Liu Bei and telling him what they know about this warrior that wanted to join their army.

[Liu Bei]

Such a sight approaching them was something quite close to a surprise, the hand covered in blood was one to place them on guard; suspicious of what this being would bring..or even, what reasons this being had within the land's of Shu. The hands had no sooner placed upon the sheath before the Captain raised the alarm and had the large gates to the courtyard leading to the Castle of Yong'an; indeed the very being he wished to see heard of the figure approaching the vacinity. It was the official to lead the first entourage to meet this stranger, the trusted advisor Mi Zhi who gazed upon the strange sight with much interest. "Do as he requested, move with haste and gather the Court physicians for him." Zhu had heard many a thing of the bandits that placed hideouts beyond the territory of the Castle, their tricks varied thus precaution was made; who knew what was in that cut..if it was a bandit group attack, then poison could be a possibility.

Waiting for the physicians, the Minister gestured for him to follow and be escorted to one of the main rooms for him to be seen..and gain his wish to have council with the Imperial Uncle, Liu Bei. However, the group was intercepted by a small unit of Palace guards who came with the Court physicians in toe; plus one other inhabitant of Yong'an. "Mysterious stranger, please tell us the tale of your wounds." A caring voice, one similar to that of a father over his young..indeed a striking tone as it gained majesty with every syllable. From the group emerged the very being this stranger desired to see, Liu Bei. Swiftly Mi Zhu backed away and bowed respectfully to the Shu Lord, knowing that he was no longer needed and quickly shuffled back to the duties of the city he had been given.

The physicians approached Wu Ban, cloths in hand ready to bind the wound before anymore blood was lost. Yet, with a gentle breath and a swift movement of the hand, Liu himself took hold of the binding material and took it upon himself to aid the stranger. "Bravery is hard to come by, to travel the instability outside the city is quite dangerous; though, I do not believe I need warn you." With a light chuckle, Liu began to bind the wound as he was taught by his mother, in a way so caring that it would not give the wounded any great amount of pain. Also, judging upon his character, they were in the presence of a war-monger; being of the blade. Talented Generals were scarce to him especially those he could trust, Mi Fang seemed the only capable candidate..within his heart Liu Bei hoped that this stranger would be a small beacon for the future of Shu...

[legenofwar]

Wu Ban sitting there seeing the great Liu Bei in front of him and threading his injury himself. He felt both some honour and also a bit confused on why a man as important as him would be able to have the time to threat his injuries when he has a full kingdom to run. Another thing that was eating in his mind is why he threated him as a child when he was close to his age that did not make any since either. The blood was going in the bandages making them red and a bit wet but they were not done placing it so he knew it will be able to stop the bleeding easily when he is fully bandaged. His spear was on the other side and he just glanced at it to make sure that his weapon was not to dirty with blood since he did not want his weapon to smell like death everywhere he goes.

Liu Bei was finally finished with placing his bandages on his hand. The blood was no longer going through the bandages. He could not used his hand for a few day so the wound could heal and the doctor did not need to tell him that since he already knew it. He also knew that he was a warrior and if he is in trouble the injury will reopen and that is only part of life when you are in the ranks of the great including Liu Bei. Wu Ban is getting up slowly having a bit trouble not using his hand but really does not want it to reopen and make him bleed to his death before the times are in piece in the lands of China. He then slowly dropped on one knee in the sign of respect to lord Liu Bei knowing that respect is a big thing during these time of chaos and also shows loyalty in his part which he knew that the rulers needed in a officer to trust him to come under his ranks and in this case to be part of the army of the dragon.

“Lord Liu Bei I know you fight for peace and also for virtue for these lands. I am Wu Ban and I wish to help you in your cause to bring these things in the land and I will not rest in my grave before my work is done and that my lord will be a promise. I will serve you until my last breath is drawn until the time my blood stops going through my veins I will be by your side making sure these lands are yours.”

Looking in the face of Wu Ban you could not see anyone that could be as serious as this man. He really did want to join Liu Bei and in his heart he is almost certain that the land will be there’s. He was still on one knee but he could not stay like that for much longer feeling light headed cause of the lost of blood and he knew he needed to get up. He got up slowly tying to at least wait for Lord Liu Bei to tell him he can get up but he would need to say it fast. The doctor gave the spear of Ban to a made to go clean it up so the blood from the fight he just finish was not going to stain on it. He then realised that Liu Bei asked him a question before feeling like an idiot he decided to open his mouth after.

“My injury that I am suffering from in my hand was from the sword that the bandit threw at me. I caught his sword and unfortionitly I accidently grabbed the blade instead of the handle and that is what made my injury. I then took his sword and threw it at the chief bandit sideways which cut his head of his body making him only a bag of bones and skin on the ground with blood that was painting the snow that was under the bandit.”

He told the exact words that were in his mind to be able to tell the lord what happen to his hand. He just hopes it did not make him seem too weak to let him join his cause. He went back to the location of the type of bed that he was sitting on while his hand was being covered by bandages and sat back down softly making not a sound.

All of the sudden, the girl that he rescued enter the room and had tears in her eyes feeling sorry that she made him try to help her and making his injuries as severe as they were. She walked slowly ait him and looked at his hand she was just happy that she did not cause his death. She wanted to say something to the man that saved her but was nervous just cause the lord of the city was right there talking to the man. She decided to say what she had too while she was running out of the location making Wu Ban smile cause the only reason he helped her was so that she would not be harm by the bandits.

“I am sorry if I caused you pain sir, I did not know that someone would even come close to help me so I just screamed hoping for the guards to come to help me I hope you are not in too much pain.”

Wu Ban looked at Liu Bei hopping that he did not believe that the guards did not go to the aid of the young women cause they were lazy he was just close enough to hear her and they were not. He knew either way he could not say a word because he is not the ruler Liu Bei was and all his decisions shall be his and he will not interfere with them even if it would cause his own death.

[Liu Bei]

The Imperial Uncle looked on as the happenings unfolded, the General had much heart for someone prone to the battlefield..it seemed warfare had not thrown his passions assunder and it was this Liu enjoyed the most; a certain drive within the being that could never be truely conveyed through words. As Wu went to one knee in a sign of respect, Liu backed up and placed his right hand to his heart..it seemed that even with the title he had gained through heritage was still fresh, such high respects to him were something he had not yet come accustomed to. "Do not place such respect to me gracious General, for I am as one with you..with each being within our realm. Born to parents in the deepest reaches of poverty, through strife I am here today showing that even status does not give you anything to gain. We act as brothers, not strangers." As a smile appeared the Imperial Uncle tried to help the General up as much as he could, as not to place any further pain upon him...

With a swift gesture of his right hand Liu dismissed all officials and guards that were present, he wished to speak with Wu by himself. "Words of loyalty shall always soften my heart, however, it is not the loyalty to me one should pledge..but the people of this land.. Yes you serve me, however, who do I serve?.. I serve those who outside the Palace gates, thus, you serve them too." Many spoke of this, yet to Liu it ran true for he had experienced much of what they had..the feeling of not being able to gain sustenance until the sandals or hats were woven to a high standard to sell; not having the security of feeding the entire family, with days there would be no food. He had been there. Though he had wealth now, it could never leave his being...

"Come, walk with me a while.." Gesturing towards the small gardens around the Palace grounds, Liu began the strole that he would enjoy..simply the company. However, there was clearly a cloud placed around the Leader of Shu.. A sigh escaped his lips as the worried tones began to speak. "Many place me as the Dragon of our realm. But, there are some who see me as weak. A being who shall be easy to eradicate, a mere obstacle that can be got ridden of with a flick of a wrist." It did anger him.. "Not anymore.." Turning to face the General, there was something within his eyes unspeakable and thought Liu was not known for his phsyical prowess the strength within his heart could devour any foe. "As a Dragon, Shu shall rise above such talk and prove that the heart shall always be the victor. However.. I have some ill news to confess, as a General of Shu.. Do not hide your feelings, honesty is what I desire." Seriousness creeped into his voice, many had shadowed what they truely felt and it had grated upon him to the point that some had been dismissed if they were found lying..or attempting to simply please him for favour. "..I have plans of placing the blade against one of my own Kinsmen, I beg you General; how do you feel upon this?"

[legenofwar]

Wu Ban was surprised from the question of his lord asking if he thinks they should attack there enemy. He looks around the frozen guards and sees that they were one flower that survived the winter by now. Ban crouches over the flower and then looked at Liu Bei after trying to think if the enemy would be a good idea to attack the enemy. He then looked back at his lords in his eyes he saw that he was really sick of being called weak by the other warlord’s. He then took his spear with his uninjured hand and does a little line on the snow with his weapon to make a sort of sense when he spoke.

“You said that the other warlord does not think that you have the power to lead your army to victory then you need to make them know your power. Then we shall attack the enemy which would be the worst thing to do when are force is too weak to support these type of attack unless we can get the alliance of the people and attack another warlord with a high reputation and that should make them realise that you can command your troops. “

After he draws everything on the ground he looked back at his lord knowing that was not going to be the support he wanted to hear. He then started to think and remembers the rumours about one of the most powerful warrior of these lands Lu Bu was looking for a new lord to serve. If we had him then maybe this army would stronger and that will make them a force to be able to destroy the others and give them the edge to win some of the warriors cry in fair and make them fear us more than the other.

“If the rumours about Lu Bu are true that he is looking for a new master to control him maybe if we have him in are army maybe then we will be strong enough to be able to attack are enemy one by one making the disappear or making them join are kingdom to make us even more stronger until the lands are yours my lord.”

He then looked at the air and thought of something else to say to his lord and maybe this would help him get his lord respect and also make his idea look even better than most of the ideals that he would normally have. He placed his hand on his lord shoulder to make sure he was having his eyes contact him when he says the next words that will drop from his mouth to make sure that he understands what he wants to say before disrespect his words.

“Remember this lord Liu Bei the people that are against us are the enemy and the people that are enemy are the enemy of the emperor and we all know when you are the enemy of the emperor you are the enemy of the people and that my lord is something we need to get rid is the people that are against the people or the land of china will only be the land of chaos and that is not what are fathers and ancestors had fought for. Now with your permission my lord I believe we should try to get Lu Bu with us.”

[Liu Bei]

Liu closed his eyes to concerntrate on the words of his new General, they seemed just and quite to the tune of what he believed so many years ago.. Indeed the Emperor was the ruler of all under the Heavens, however, if this was so how come the Heavens simply allowed the reign to dwindle and now fade completely? Within the Imperial Uncle knew this was treacherous to him, but it was hard to continuouly believe in an entity who was becoming weaker and weaker by the day. Perhaps..just perhaps, that the Han was over; another Empire had to replace to unify the realm once more. "Indeed the army of Shu is small, but the Minister Mi has plans to increase our strength by a considerable amount. I do not wish to turn my back upon the family who I was born into, yet, it were the wealthy within the family that did not aid my parents at any time. Would a family allow this to happen?" Such a sad tale for a couple to struggle so when other family members were living within estates larger than they could have dreamed of, it was not the connection of family; their lineage was not respected when they were almost forgotten about...

Yet, the subject moved to a well known warrior, one whose strength was something to see and one that Liu knew very well. There was truth in what Wu told him but it was something he could not entertain. "Perhaps yes, this Lu Bu could give us the thrust me needed. But, one must analyse his character, for he is not known for loyalty. I could not trust such a being knowing that reputation followed him; what if he defected during a crutial time in battle? All we had worked for would have been brought to the ground." It left a sour taste in his mouth, twice over.. Once, because this very man had no morals and could easily turn his back onto someone that he pledged dying servitude for.. Twice, because the General was right, his strength was widely known and could be a great asset to Shu. It was just the reputation...if only he had placed his mind to something straight instead of become promiscuous with his loyalty..

"Of course, there is my other kinsmen Liu Yan. His lands are fertile and would come in great use to Shu, but his wisdom is something to be marvelled." Allowing a sigh to leave his lips, the Imperial Uncle turned back to face the General, who made a valid point of consolidating Shu's strength until they knew when the time was right. However, with increasing expansion..who knew when that would be without turning the blade upon an ally? "I see what you speak of General. Yet, if we wait for too long to expand our borders we shall be boxed in by the other fuedal lords; two of which are our allies. Also, by this time when we believe our forces to be ready we could see that our enemies have done the same.. What of then, do we simply continue to bide our time?" It was a trivial matter, one that Liu had spent many a night sleepless..constantly thinking of how to act next; even the Minister Mi could not console his worries. Shu had to gain footing some how, to Liu Bei simply waiting for the Lords to approach on their borders was something detrimental...but...what Wu said was right, their force was small. Such conflict that the Imperial Uncle suffered within his mind!...

[legenofwar]

Wu Ban looks at his lords that seem to be feeling the need to destroy Lord Liu Bao. He knew that Bao was not the man that was liked around the people and he would be one target that might gain the trust of the people but would that be the best move for Liu Bei to make. He knew that any moment Wei can come and try to start a war against them and if they would attack Bao how many people will they lose and will the respect of the people and volunteer be a high enough amount to make them ready to fight against lord Cao Cao. He decided that all his thought was nothing the ruler is Liu Bei and not him. He knew if his lord wanted to attack he needed to obey without a word but he shall tell him his concern in the sense that he wants to know if he has a problem and that he unfortunate had one and that one is one of the most destructive ones possible.

“Lord Liu Bei you told me I needed to say something if I had something to say and to be honest I do and this is hard for me to say since that you are my lord and I am your general but if we attack how long will it take us to reform cause you know as well as I do lord Cao Cao must be planning to attack us since he is known to attack the people that are weak to improve their lands.”

He then looked at the air and knew the day was young and the attack will happen he just hope they can regain their strength in time for the attack that Wei might do on them. There army was ready now but after they fight and hopefully kill Liu Bao army what will they have left and how they will be there moral for the next battle they will suffer through. He then looks at the guard that seem to be listening to them or at least watching them. Wu Ban did not hesitate he walks in front of the guard and steers him up and down.

“Young man you are a guard of Liu Bei, yes? Well start moving you heard him we need to get ready for war prepare the troop for war before I use you as a test dummy to show the new recruits how to gut a man and let him live true the torture.”

The young guard grabbed his spear and left there as fast as he could fearing that lord Liu Bei would not stop the man since he is a great fighter surviving the battle against the group of bandits. He looks a Liu Bei and laughed to let him know that he was not serious and just having fun scaring the guard. He went back to Liu Bei side and sees a young man that had Wu Ban spear in his hand. The man kneels down in front of him placing the weapon in front of Ban. He takes the weapon and places it on his back and nodded to the young man to say thank you and that he may leave now without any pain. He then saw the kid leaving he whistle and threw him ten gold so he can eat some food and not suffer from the hunger.

[Liu Bei]

Liu took a moment to hear out the words of his General, indeed they ran true and made sense..the doubt was certain and one shared by the Shu Lord himself; what if their attack upon Liu Biao left them vulnerable against attack from Cao Cao? It was far too risky to do and something he could not simply throw away, perhaps Wu was right?.. Perhaps turning their attention to the South was not the right time, for surely they would be turning their backs upon Wei. Stroking the small beard upon his chin, Liu extended his right hand to the General, in order for him to halt any thought or movement upon action. "You are correct General, I thank you for such realisation; I have had my doubts to. Would gaining Xiangyang this early leave us open for Wei to gain the advantage?" The Dragon knew he had to place his mark upon this land and it would not be so if they expanded to lead to a defeat. Turning to the skies, Liu knew that the Heavens placed him upon a pedastal..one he did not care for...

"Liu Biao can wait, his desires to not include expansion but defence of what he already owns; too suspicious of the activity of Wu to make sudden movements." Turning his gaze back to Wu Ban, there sparked the potential for a leader of histories; one who combined action with thought.. Indeed, perhaps it blossomed from indecisiveness, but the conclusion benefited the lands of Shu. "I shall have you positioned in Xinye, there you shall train your own forces; I shall give you some siege equipment to place under your command." The tone within his voice spoke of the Dragon, a deep determination to succeed and survive against the Phoenix who would soon loom over them; rubbing the greedy hands ready to attempt the vice grip. "Wei will no doubt head South and occupy the city of Wan that borders our territory. Once we gain the message of the victory, have your men take flight and attack them before they have the chance to settle and gain their footing."

Turning around to face the skies, Liu took in a deep breath to think of what was spoken. To wait and continue rebuilding the strength Shu had and watching Wei have the victory over Wan, the Dragon would rise and consume the enemy before they could rest...surely it would deal a heavy blow to Cao Cao before he even thought of moving his men to attack Yong'an or Xinye. "When you leave Xinye, I shall come personally with the main unit to support you; we are gaining strength and the wind is picking up... We must throw Wei to the ground before they are carried by this wind meant for us." Yes the plan had changed, Wu Ban would move to Xin Ye and train his men for combat with the addition of siege weaponary given to him by Liu. From their they would continue to wait until Wan was taken, then they would attack. "The day we both embark for Wan I shall send message to Wu, requesting them to aid or perhaps attack Wei themselves; a two prongued attack.. Surely Cao Cao could not fend such a manevuer." It was their chance... Liu Biao could be defeated easily in time, however, to deal a heavy blow to Wei was the most important matter in the Shu's survival. Once more, the Shu Lord turned back to Wu Ban, curiosity upon his expression. "What do you think of this plan?" It was clear Liu trusted the General's judgement, and appreciated his honesty..for Wu Ban would be the catalyst in Shu's dominance and the decline of Wei...

[legenofwar]

Wu Ban was finally smiling hearing that Liu Bei heard his concern about the early attack against Liu Biao will cause them trouble on the long run from a attack by Cao Cao. He also knew for Cao Cao to reach these lands he would need to fight against Wan city which might give them time to destroy Liu Biao and the time to recover before they would even need to face them. He started to do the math with the branch he had picked out and calculated the distance the time the battle will most likely take and all. He drew the information to make sure Liu Bei could understand when he explains it. He saw that there will most likely be enough time for their troop to recover by time Cao Cao would reach the land of Shu which means they will be able to get more people to fight for them gain the respect from other warlords and also kill one the people hate so much Liu Biao all at the same time.

He looks at his lord and wonders if he could suggest such a plan if he had calculated one thing badly then this plan can be the end of the kingdom except of the regeneration of the kingdom. He started to recalculate the math once more to make sure he did not make any mistakes. He knew that Cao Cao was helping someone right now so he does not have his full troops but would that give them enough time to capture Liu Biao and execute them. He also knew that the Wu kingdom might be willing to help them in the battle against Wei from the rumours he heard before he arrived to the castle. Even do Ban did not like Wu for accepting bandits and pirates in their ranks they would still be a valuable ally to them which means he needed to put aside his hatred for the bandits in the corner of the building and maybe in the cage to make sure it did not come out during their alliance.

“My lord, as you can see here I made some calculation here on the ground and if you want to attack Liu Biao we need to do it now before that Wei starts the battle at Wan we should be able to destroy Liu Biao and also regroup after the battle before he reaches us since h is currently helping one of their allies in a battle as I heard it before coming to visit you my lord but to make certain that we will not get destroy we need to make sure that Wu will help us if the time comes that we will need their help against Cao Cao.”

He knew his suggestion might be a wild one to suggest in the sense that it would be risky but without any risk Shu would not be fighting currently they would be hiding so they should do this attack to prove to the land of China that they will not be scared to attack if the time called for a attack and they will not be afraid to defend when it is the time and that is what shu needed to place in their minds and with Wu Ban in their ranks he might be able to place it in there even after his death.