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Post by trance on Sept 2, 2006 3:16:03 GMT -5
Shen Pei had recently been granted permission by the regional lord, Shang Xiliang, to use a small space of land to rest his feet. His men ahd set up a camp. It was sparce, yet large enough to provide the 500 men roosting there ample room. (Feh ... I'll be mroe creavtive later...)
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Post by Gongsun Ren on Sept 2, 2006 19:11:41 GMT -5
Lu Kai Li approached the camp escorted by his personal guard, which consisted of his 50 Bai Ma Lancers. he bade them wait outside the camp; they were there for protection while travelling, not while attending to business. Shen had promised safe passage, and Lu believed that he would keep his end of the bargain. He rode to the outer gate's guards and raised his left hand, hlding his guandao in his right.
"My name is Lu Kai Li. I am here to meet with Shen Pei. he is expecting me. I have no armaments other than this, which I can leave with you. My men are to wait outside."
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Post by trance on Sept 2, 2006 19:20:53 GMT -5
Discussion of Tact
Shen Pei was out wandering his camp. Making spot inspections. These men may be mercs... But they had sure as hell look like the imperial army to any one who passed by. Shen was checking his guards who were on watch duty when he saw the small band ride up.
"Lord Shen Pei is glad that you have come. Keep your armaments. I shall take you to him."
The man walked down the ramparts and to the main gate. he bowed low to the visitor.
"This way if you please."
The man walked with purpose toward a tent near the center of the camp. The man wore nothing but simple robes, and he had no weapon. He entered the tent just before Lu Kai Li, and quickly slipped into a seat near the back of the tent.
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Post by Gongsun Ren on Sept 2, 2006 19:28:42 GMT -5
"Hm, I see you possess humility, Master Pei. Good, the world can always use more of that." Lu smiled at the man while inwardly hoping he'd guessed the identity of the man correctly. "So, is there anything you'd like to know in particular?" Lu dropped his guandao to the floor. No sense in holding it, in any case. He was surprised that he was allowed in with it. Humble and trusting...
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Post by trance on Sept 2, 2006 19:38:53 GMT -5
Onto Our Main Topic of The Night
Shen Pei leaned forward onto the table in front of him.
"And you are no fool Lord Lu Kai Li. The world could use many more men like you than me. I am not but a humble man trying to get by. My skills are mediocre at the most."
Shen Pei stood up, and walked over to a small table near the side of the room.
"You probably wonder why I let you in with your sword. To be honest...If you had wanted to bring your men in I would have allowed it. Mind you.. This room is guarded tight. I am trusting..But not that much. I allow this of you though... Because I am nothing but a merc. Thus far into the war I have done little to offend any one, and I don't think I have ever dealt with your nation at all. So it would be quite fool hardy for you to come here with only a small escort of 50 men, to try and murder me in my own home.".
As he spoke he poured two cups of wine. It was his own special brew. It was once his mothers, but he changed it to suit his tastes.
"Here. You may like it. It's my own brew. Very strong so don't drink much more than that cup."
Shen Pei took a drink from his cup and sat back down. he placed the cup in front of him.
"Now Lord Lu Kai Li. Onto more important business. Why do you want me on your side?"
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Post by Gongsun Ren on Sept 2, 2006 19:51:21 GMT -5
Lu took a small sip from the cup and puckered slightly. Strong stuff it was.
"To understand why I want you on my side, you must understand why I disagree with that you said of me. I disagree when you say that the world could use a lack of foolishness moreso than humility. However, a humble fool, one who insists that his abilities are that of a fool, or lower, will do far less harm than a clever man who thinks highly of himself." Lu took another sip as e paused, "You say you possess mediocre skills? That intrigues me. You see, this means you either know yourself well, and thus can never be defeated, or you have misjudged your own talents," Lu smiled as he continued, "Now, you are trying to get by. I am trying to help those under Wako rule. We can help each other in this respect. You could use a permanent place to stay, and resources for your men. I need an able helper to assist me in my duties. My son, though able, is still young. I would feel far more comfotable if you were that helper." Lu reached into his pocket and withdrew a bag, which he paced on the table. The bag jingled, indicating the contents. "Now, regardless of your acceptance or not, I want you to take this. Inside is exactly 435 gold pieces. You are a good man, and I know you will use it well. Moreover, I can and will give you a salary of 1000 gold, as well as unlimited access to Xiang Ping's resources, if you agree to enter into my service. You needn't claim to be a servant of the Temple Knights, unles that is what you seek."
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Post by trance on Sept 2, 2006 20:20:04 GMT -5
A Good Offer
Shen Pei sat silently for a while. he just didn't want to be in the same situation as he was with Yuan Shao. Dealing with a man who disregarded his every word. However...Thsi man seemed different. PLus... He could leave any time he wanted to.
"Lord Lu Kai Li. I thank you. However, before I join you I have a contract to deal with. After it has been dealt with then I shall join you. Do know this though. I will still take contracts. But I shall not war against you."
Shen Pei stood up, and took a drink from his cup. Walking past the table he place it on the edge.
"Feel free to rest in my humble abode for as long as you wish. I must however, finish my inspections. So with this, I take my leave of you."
Shena Pei left the tent, leaving the money on the table. Lu Kai Li could take it, and leave. or he could leave it, and have a new ally.
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Post by Gongsun Ren on Sept 2, 2006 20:22:27 GMT -5
Lu stood up. This man was honest, and that was a plus. He scribbled a hasty note, which he left next to the bag, then picked up his guandao and exitted.
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Post by Pauly on Sept 3, 2006 1:16:10 GMT -5
A young man approached the small camp at the head of a large group of men, who were unarmed, but wore military uniforms. He called out."I am looking for the mercenary Shen Pei, am I right in assuming this is his camp?"
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Post by trance on Sept 3, 2006 1:25:01 GMT -5
CONTRACT! NUMERO UNO!
A guard at the gate looked the man over.
"Yeah. What are you here for?"
The man's voice was gruff, and his beard was rather... Unkept. He had scares all about his face. Enough to intimidate even the bravest of warriors.
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Post by Pauly on Sept 3, 2006 1:28:40 GMT -5
Shang Xu, merely a boy, was scared out of mind by this rude looking fellow, but he had told his brother he would not fail to acquire Shen Pei's service."I-I... w-wish to see... sh-sh-sh-Shen Pei.... I-I've come on behalf of B-Baron Shang..."
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Post by trance on Sept 3, 2006 1:35:19 GMT -5
FOOLIO!
The soldier just grunted.
"Whatever, just follow me to his tent."
The soldier turned aorund and started walking through the camp. Finally he reached a large tent in the center. He poked his head in then drew it back shortly.
"Lord Shen Pei isn't in his tent. Wait here until he arrives."
The soldier then wandered off in search of his commander.
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Post by Pauly on Sept 3, 2006 1:38:35 GMT -5
Shang Xu stood waiting for Shen Pei.
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Post by trance on Sept 3, 2006 1:43:02 GMT -5
I Hold No Respect For You Paul
After about fifteen minutes the mercanary commander finally showed up.
"Greetings. I am Shen Pei. Please, follow me into my tent."
Shen Pei walked into his tent and went to the tabel that held his always hot wine. He poured two cups. he sat down behind his table and placed one in front of the chair near his table, keeping the otehr cup for himself.
"Drink up."
Shen took a drink from his wine. ...Let's see how the boy likes my wine...
"Now...What do you want with me?"
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Post by Pauly on Sept 3, 2006 1:48:28 GMT -5
Shang Xu bowed to Shen Pei. Ignoring the wine, he went straight to business."Baron Xilang has sent me to acquire your services, I can not drink wine until our business is concluded. Now, my brother, Xilang, wishes you to go to Xiangyang to aid General of the Wrong, Wei Yan destroy the Cheng capital. He has sent you 1000 men to serve you, even after the conclusin of your service."
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