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Your forces have defeated Yuan Shu's forces at the great battle of Pei, and with the help of the magistrate's daughter Ling Chi now taking over governmental affairs, your control over Pei has been finished. You find that Ling Chi is more than capable of governing Pei and as the daughter of the former magistrate she holds the support of the people as well.

You prepare to leave Pei back to your main base of Runan, but you should assign a capable general to raise some conscripts and prepare troops around Pei. It is after all a land bordering the front lines near other lords.

Which military officer do you relocate to Pei? You also have a chance to recruit a military officer with the academies you have developed around Runan, and you spend some time searching for a capable man to assign at Pei.

>assign someone to Pei

>roll 1d100, avg of three for recruitment

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>785038
Assign Song Qian and Hi Arpeggio!

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>785038
Song Qian or Zhang He

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>785038

>>785038
and my vote is for Song Qian

We killed Arpeggio.

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Song Qian has been a veteran of your forces and has led troops since your beginnings and as such you trust him to take on the task. You order Song Qian to take command of military affairs over at Pei and the young warrior salutes to you.

“I thank you for the opportunity Lord Zheng, I shall double my efforts for your cause.”

“Good. However, I believe we in need of at least another capable person to aid you,” you tell Song Qian. “I aim to recruit someone capable. Comb through our academies and see if you can find such,” you order Song Qian.

The military academies you have created has attracted a number of people around the region. Some are warriors that wish to learn martial arts, others come to study military history and tactics. After a few days of searching around the various school places and observing the students, you come across one individual who seems capable. He is studious, knows his way around a blade, and is said to be a calm individual but of strong will.

You got to meet this man as he is studying in one of the open halls of the academy. In the distance you see several men training with wooden swords but the man pays them no mind and reads through various text. You come beside him with Song Qian and he looks up when he sees people approach.

“Greetings,” you say.

“My my,” the man replies as he stands up. He bows respectfully to you. “It is an honor to meet Lord Zheng Li.”

“You know of me?” you ask, a little surprised.

“Certainly. You my lord are the one who created these schools and haven given me the opportunity to study here. How could I not know the name of a benefactor? Besides, news of your armies sweeping away Yuan Shu as if he was a mere fly has already spread across the lands here.”

You smile in response. The man seems to be aware of his surroundings at the very least. But is he capable otherwise?

>test his might
>test his military knowledge
>ask him what he desires

>>785037
Welcome back arprggio

>>785146
>Ask him his desires

>>785146
>>ask him what he desires

>>785146
>ask him what he desires

You motion with your hand for the man to sit back down and you sit across from him in turn. As you take your seat you look at the texts he has been reading. There are many pages from past military exploits of fallen generals of the past and other studies on the art of war.

“Tell me what your desires are,” you say to the man. “You study the art of war, certainly you must hold great ambitions within your heart.”

“Not quite my lord,” the man says with a shake of his head. “I am a simple man and I would like to live my life simply. On the morn I like to train and exercise, then go hunting for a while. At noon I would like to study and learn what I can. And at dawn I would like to drink with friends and then come home to a good night's sleep. I do not hold any grand desires; I simply wish to live the life that has been granted to me”

“So you would study military history simply out of desire to learn?” you ask.

“Yes. In these times of war, it might do me well to learn about war should the case ever come that I need them to defend myself. But I hold no real other desire elsewise.”

What do you think?

>boring, that is too mundane!
>it is an acceptable way to live
>to be able to live so simply is impressive itself

>>785207
>it is an acceptable way to live
>to be able to live so simply is impressive itself

>>785207
>it is an acceptable way to live

>>785207
>>it is an acceptable way to live
>>to be able to live so simply is impressive itself

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“Each man must find his own goal in life, and yours is an acceptable way to live,” you tell the man. “However, it would be a shame to have a man such as yourself live freely without making any exploits. The adamant way in which you live can be put to use in my force. What do you say? Would you accept a military position under my force? To create a good routine of training my soldiers, leading them to battle, and making sure our lands are safe.”

The man places a hand on his chin and ponders.

“Well, I do not see much reason to deny your request. You rule this land well and you have given me some free education.”

The both of you stand, and the man bows to you.

“Very well then. I am Zhu Ling, and though I cannot know how much my abilities can be of use, I shall serve your cause.”

“Then welcome,” you say placing a hand on his shoulder. “I would assign you to the newly conquered Pei. Along with General Song Qian, I expect good results from you.”

Zhu Lings joins your force.

>>785323
You return your troops back to Runan in time for the Summer season. The end of Spring brings in 1200 taels of gold to your coffers to use. What purchases do you make, and what actions do you take for Summer to improve your force?

The military academies that you have invested in have developed enough that any troops you recruit will receive some training before they are added to your force (Recruited troops start at Adept). The farms are still a bit small and can support about 5000 of your troops effectively, and you may want to improve them so your supplies do not run out in future campaigns. Liang Xu's trade up north brings you some good gold, but the trade and markets can still be improved upon. Support for you is above average here. At the northern borders you have created some camps and watch towers, but no strong fort.

1225 gold
>recruit soldiers: 1 gold for 1
>improved spears: 1 gold for 1
>improved armor: 1 gold for 1
>improved crossbows: 1 gold for 1
>horses: 1 gold for 1
>rams: 100 gold for 1
>catapults: 100 gold for 1
>warships: 100 gold for 1 (can hold 300 men)

>>785332
We should work on that academy as proposed before. Getting it working and on it's way will help us out in the long term. How much did we invest in it?

>>785332
improve farms and trade networks with 400 gold each, then work on the academy with the remainder

>>785332
>500 towards academies
>200 crossbows
>200 Armor
>200 horses
>1 ship

>>785332
Invest in academys and infrastructure, may want to get our troop count to 5k even

>>785349
>>785353
Hmm. Why not a compromise? 500 on the academy, 100 each on crossbows, armor, and horses, and 400 on the beginning of a trade hub? The location is good, being near multiple factions, and with our specialties in chen, we can make more money.

>>785383
>383 ▶
>>>785349 (You)
works for me

>Zhu Ling
We've saved him from a life of being bullied by Cao Cao.

>>785383
aight thats good to

>>785383
I'm good with that

You throw a good chunk of your gold in improving your academies, fully intent on making them the best and most well renown throughout the land. You hire many laborers to construct them in grand and lavish designs so people from all around the land will know of them. You hire many teachers from scholarly men, historians, and master swordsmen and pay their wages so they can teach people who come to your schools. You also throw advertisements and spread news around your lands so word can reach people of your academies. Though it might take some time, your military schools should become famous in some time. (-500 gold)

You also spend a good deal of your money in trade investments and improving the markets around your land. With many civillians in Tao Qian's land left homeless in Cao Cao's relentless attack, you invite them to come to your lands and begin their life anew as merchants and traders. Soon enough the markets here should floish. (-400 gold)

You spend the rest of the money in improving your arms for future battles. You assign most of these arms to your most veteran soldiers (+100 improved armor, improves crossbows, horses).

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>>785496
News arrives from your ally at the western side. Sun Jian, having rested his troops and having gained much support around his newly conquered lands, launched another attack against Liu Biao's last territory of Nanyang. Liu Biao's troops could hardly hold the attack, having suffered many defeats at your hands and Sun Jian's. Huang Zhong led the last bastion of defense against Sun Jian and though he fought bravely, Nanyang was taken. You hear that Huang Zhong was killed in action while Liu Biao was publicly executed at the streets of Nanyang.

With Sun Jian encroaching upon the lands near the new capital city of Changan, you hear the two generals Li Jue and Guo Si, former officers of Dong Zhuo, offered the position of Marquess and General of Chariots and Cavalry, two high esteemed titles, to Sun Jian. Sun Jian adamantly refused and wrote a letter of insult demeaning the two, saying he would one day depose the two and free the Emperor. With that you hear Li Jue and Guo Si are gathering troops in preparation of war against Sun Jian and both factions are quite hostile to one another.

However, even more breaking and important news comes to you. In the north Cao Cao defeated Tao Qian in a series of battles. You hear that Liu Bei and his brothers, leading several thousands of volunteer troops arrived to help Tao Qian. As Cao Cao sieged Tao Qian's city, a statement occurred. That stalemate was broken by the arrival of a new force; Lu Bu.

Lu Bu attacked Cao Cao's lands at Dong and Chenliu. Forcing a man by the name of Zhang Miao to surrender, he has overtaken the defenses there. You hear word that Cao Cao has made peace with Tao Qian and now marches back to defeat Lu Bu.

Almost as you finish hearing these news, you hear word that a delegation from Lu Bu has arrived at your halls. You have no doubts what this is about. How do you reply?

>refuse the delegation, send him back
>receive the delegation

>>785502
>>receive the delegation

It is diplomacy. We shall receive the delegation but there is no reason for us to accept their request. If we wanted to attack Cao Cao, we should have intervened with the attack on Tao Qian.

>>785502
>receive the delegation

nothing says we have to accept the offer, just hear them out for now.

>>785502
>>receive the delegation

>>785502
Whoo boy. As is, we are neutral to Cao Cao and Tao Quan, but we have no real love for Lu Bu and his own either. Taking him in means opening the way for a multi-prong assault. Even taking it in could cause trouble. I really think we should get some diplomacy with Sun Jian soon. Secure the west for ourselves with a diplomatic marriage.

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You allow the delegation to come. Your halls open up and a man dressed in black enters. He strides forward to you confidently, and with a gesture of his hand, bows before you.

“Greetings to you Lord Zheng Li,” he says. “I am Chen Gong, advisor and strategist to Lu Bu. How do you fare upon this day?”

“Quite well,” you reply. “It has been a long time since I heard the exploits of Lu Bu. It seems his legendary might still holds true if he was able to take the lands of Chenliu.”

“Certainly your might is no lower,” Chen Gong says bowing. “My visit here is in regards to that. Lord Zheng, let me get straight to the point. Let us enter in to an alliance of mutual benefit.”

You place a hand upon your chin, and with musings, you ask Chen Gong, “And why should I do that?”

“Cao Cao has been a threat to you for long, no doubt,” Chen Gong says. “He is a villain and you must know that eventually he would destroy you and put your forces down. He is no one to tolerate someone better. By entering in to an alliance with us, you have the opportunity to take more lands against Cao Cao. With our forces combined, Cao Cao will stand no chance against us. We will take and hold the lands of Dong, Chenliu, Yingchuan, and Jiyin. We would give you the rest of Cao Cao's lands. Lord Lu Bu holds the utmost respect for you Lord Zheng, ever since the two of you battled years ago. If the might our forces should be combined, the land will be easily taken and we shall be the dominating power.”

What do you have to say?

>agree and enter the alliance
>refuse
>discuss amongst your officers first

we should send wang yi to chen. Otherwise they'll never hook up at this rate, being apart most of the time.

On one hand, this is an excellent opportunity for us to get the Cao Cao out of the equation at an early time.

Lu Bu has no Zhu Xing this time, his overall strategic capabilities will be worse off and we should be able to deal with Lu Bu when the time comes. We just need to drown him in troops.

>>785564
We have our hands full with Yuan shu though. Our armies well trained as they may be are still pretty small in size. Also i got a shithitting the fan vibe from this whole senario

>>785592

I'm not so sure, one doesn't just recover from losing 10k men in one battle. That will take seasons or years to recover by recruiting normally instead of mass conscripting. Hes likely to stay in his lands for a while.

Our army is definitely small though. We need to invest in more men.

>>785564
This is probably the worst sort of timing we would have with this sort of thing. Our supplies are low, and it will be some time before the draft will be capable to draw in large numbers again. Likewise, we have multiple fronts open already and Lu Bu is in his own cluster. We need to build up and expand south, not get into the cao-cao mosh pit.
>refuse
Our resources are spread thin at the moment, but any trade can be done on equal terms.

>>785602
A thing you have to consider is that we are also very short on general supplies as well. The siege and conquest ate up all that we had built up before. Any long term war is going to hurt us and Cao Cao has dug himself into his spot. It'd be a meat grinder and Lu Bu has shown no interest in us until now.

>>785606
>>785626
Yea was considering that as well.

Ultimately I think you are right, we can't afford to enter the centre right now with our forces as is.

Now isn't the time to enter that battlefield.

Perhaps we should offer them a non-aggression policy for now. Maybe even an offer of sanctuary if they might need it.

>>785564
>>refuse

>>785564
>>discuss amongst your officers first
I would like to hear what they have to say. Since we have to go through Cao Cao to get to Yuan Shao.

This will also help Tao Qian.

>>785564
>refuse

>>785648
Pretty sure Cao cao aint to fond of offering sanctuary to his major enemies like Tao qiao

>>785564
>>refuse
But keep the options open, for example should he come down south against yuan shu we are not obliged to stop him

Do not offer Lu Bu sanctuary.

>>785648
It's the ultimate form of high risk, high reward. This is every high end officer of the era smack dab in the middle with some of the juiciest lands and areas around. Getting them will make our conquest almost guaranteed in the long term, but if we lose.. it's over. Our forces are still low, and our defenses will require more work. If Cao Cao marches south, we'd be done in and likely killed. There is also the chance of lu bu betraying us which could end badly. He has done it twice before, so doing it thrice isn't out of the question.

>>785564
>refuse
Changed my mind since people are right. We would need to build up before attacking someone else.

>>785564

>refuse

We simply do not have the resources to come out on top in this clash between Lu Bu and Cao Cao.

However....we CANNOT let Chen Gong catch wind of this.

Tell him, politely, that we currently have no quarrel with Cao Cao, and that our issues with Yuan Shu have yet to be fully resolved, so that at this time, an alliance would not be prudent or in our best interests.

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You consider the options, and while the offer is tempting, you cannot accept the offer. Your troops have fought battles for many years now and they are in need of rest. Your supplies are lacking and you need some time to gather some more. Furthermore, can someone like Lu Bu even trusted when he killed his own adopted fathers, not once, but twice?

“While the offer is appreciated, I cannot accept,” you tell Chen Gong. “We have made a treaty with Cao Cao for our armies to be neutral. We cannot go against that pact,” you say, making the treaty your main form of excuse.

Chen Gong looks at you and shakes his head.

“If Cao Cao is not defeated, know that he will be great trouble and an evil in the future. You are making a dire mistake.”

“Perhaps, time will tell,” you reply defiantly. “The decision has been made, please escort Sir Chen out,” you tell the guards.

Chen Gong shakes his head once more as he leaves. When he disappears from the hall, Lu Fan comes forward to speak his mind.

“A wise choice my lord,” Lu Fan says. “A man like Lu Bu is not to be trusted. He is a wild animal with no form of gratitude or respect towards anyone.”

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>>785800
A few weeks after Chen Gong's visit, you receive another visitor and commotion. You hear shouts and screaming at the lower steps of your hall, and when you ask what the ruckus is about, your guards inform you that a woman with a dozen female guards have come to your halls demanding entrance. They are strangely in light armor and swords, quite uncommon for women of this time. When they asked the women to disarm, they grew angry and insulted the guards and officials at the front as rude.


What do you do on this matter?

>go to the entrance of the halls yourself
>tell the guards to let the women through with their weapons
>tell the guards to drive the women away, by force of law

>>785808
>>go to the entrance of the halls yourself
This is quite curious. Think they want to allow girls into the academy?

>>785808

>go to the entrance of the halls yourself

We cannot simply allow laws of our court to be flouted so easily. Go out fully armed as a compromise.

I think these might be emissaries from further south.

>>785808

This is either SSX or Lu Bu's daughter....

>Go to the entrance of the halls yourself

We gotta see this first hand.

>>785808
>go to halls of the entrance yourself

>>785827
Oh shit, i think you're right

>>785808
>>go to the entrance of the halls yourself
The fucknugget is going on?

>>785808
>>785827
I like your thinking, and where this is going

>>go to the entrance of the halls yourself

>>785808
>go to the entrance of the halls yourself
Huh, this will be fun.

>how dare you not make an alliance with my father
>*teleports behind us and stabs us with spear*
so begins the legend of Lu Lingqi

>>785827
If it's Lu's Daughter, this may get trickey. She's trying to force our hand with possible insults of cowardice, and the very real possibility of a political marriage. It WOULD solve our wife problems and give us access to Lu Bu blooded children, but again, that puts us in the worst fight we can face.

If it's the Sun family, this may go well! We can finally get the west secured and work o our main bases before heading south. It also gives us an ally against possible attacks.

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To see the commotion at hand you move to the entrance of the halls yourself and several of the your guards follow to protect you. As the gates of your hall open up you see a young woman, not even in her twenties arguing with the guards at the front.

"As I have said, we cannot allow you in the halls unless you are disarmed. It is only proper protocol."

"To ask a warrior to disarm is the highest of dishonors. I have heard that Zheng Li is a warrior and one who honors the prowess of warriors, was what I heard wrong? I would be not surprised if the man was overrated."

"How dare you! Such inso-"

"Enough," you say stepping forward. The guard who was shouting back turns and quickly bows to you. You simply nod to the guard and placing a hand on his shoulder, you motion for him to back down so you can address the women. You look at the woman who spoke haughtily and she stares back at your face with a look of displeasure. To her sides are several woman in armor and they are armed with swords on their waists.

"I am Zheng Li, the ruler of these lands. Why do you come to disturb my halls?"

The woman scoffs at you.

"Because my father sends me to pay my respects. Yet, I find it hard to do so when your guards treat the daughter of your ally, no less a warrior, with such disrespect. You are a warrior are you not? Do you disarm every person that comes to your halls? Are you so afraid when you have a retinue of guards at your command?"

...The audacity of this woman. You can see why the other guards were irritated.

"I am Sun Shang Xiang. For what reasons my father has, I am to be here as an honored guest as a sign of friendship between our two forces. It is not my wish to be here, but I will obey my father regardless."

>defend the actions of your guards, tell Xiang she will be respectful
>apologize to Xiang, treat her with the utmost courtesy

>>785898
>>apologize to Xiang, treat her with the utmost courtesy
Explain the guards as only executing the laws and their mission, they should not be blamed for following their orders.

>>785898
>>785914
Agreed.

>defend the actions of the guards, she will be respectful

Nope not dealing with a cunt. Wu waifufags please go away.

>>785898
>>apologize to Xiang, treat her with the utmost courtesy
However, their actions are not wrong. We are a warrior, but we are a liege as well. If you are a guard and a bunch of warriors you do not know come to the front gates with demands, would you not want to protect your liege? Still, this is a misunderstanding that puts us both in tough positions. We can meet and talk here as warriors, with some good drink and food to help get the edge off. After all, we consider her father a good friend and man.

Theres another potential problem now, we might want to send a 'honoured guest' to Sun Jian as well. I don't suppose we have any siblings or little sisters to send.

>>785898
>defend your guards
i would hope that your guards would react the same if an armed host attempted to make their way to your father my dear

>>785947
We do have cousins and the like for this sort of thing.

>>785898
You call yourself a warrior but you did not simply knock them out and come in anyway. Perhaps you would like to see how much of a warrior i am

Time to see what i can get away with

>>785941
This is great. We should also get Wang Yi to come out as well.
>>785952
Do we? Can't remember hearing them being mentioned before. We ideally want immediate family though as that'll be a stronger statement. Also if a female from our clan hooks up with a Sun, it'll be even better for our relations.

Eating, back in about 20-30 min.

>>785961
Was mentioned at the beginning that we have family for this sort of thing. It can be done, just more likely to be made a concubine as oppose to wife.

Who cares about family right now? At this point we should want to knock her fucking head off

>>785898
Apologize to Xiang etc

>>785898
>apologize to Xiang, treat her with the utmost courtesy

>>786026
Should we? The only thing she has done was demand to see us. Rather than letting her in, we just went to see her and the situation got more complicated. She's got a warriors pride one way or another, but she also seems pretty new to politics and general social niceties. Be diplomatic and firm. She is a warrior, but she should also consider what guards do.

>>786018
Oh alright, thanks for that reminder.

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Despite the rudeness and lack of courtesy from Shang Xiang, you bow calmly and make a smile to show her respect.

“My apologies, Lady Sun. My guards however were only following the law and their orders.”

“Your orders and law is the exact problem,” Shang Xiang responds. “In the halls of my father all warriors are allowed access with their weapons and are not disarmed at the entrance. This is because my father knows another can not best him in combat, nor will the elite guards around him tolerate any attacks at his direction. What do you as a warrior have to fear?”

“It is a difference of culture then,” you reply, doing your best to remain respectful. “We will allow you to move freely in the future. Please, let me prepare a houseroom for you and your guards. Servants shall also be sent to take care of your needs. Treat our home as you would your own,” you say as you motion for a few servants to come and show Shang Xiang your quarters.

“Hmph,” Shang Xiang replies as she walks off, hardly a reply or care in your direction. Sun Jian did once say his daughter was unruly and wild, and you can see what he meant.

“My sincerest, sincerest, apologies,” one of the handmaiden says as Shang Xiang and others leave. The one speaking to you looks young and she seems quite despondent. “Lady Sun has always been fierce in temperament and I fear she shall cause you some trouble in the future. I humbly ask your lordship to bear with it.”

>tell the guard it is fine and dismiss her
>express your discontent at Shang Xiang's rudeness
>ask who the guard is and her name

>>786062
>ask who the guard is and her name

>>786062
>>ask who the guard is and her name
Is her rudeness perhaps why she was esnt

>>786062
>tell her it's fine and dismiss her
we dealt with Yuan Shu talking down to us, we can deal with this brat

>>786062
>>ask who the guard is and her name

>>786062
>>tell the guard it is fine and dismiss her
>ask who the guard is and her name
We do respect merit and talent, plus there will always be clashes of personality. Just need to show her the academy and how we are trying to build up our people to all be capable.

>>786062
>ask who the guard is and her name

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You nod at the female guard and with a wave of your hand you dismiss the rudeness. The haidmaiden sighs in relief and places a hand on her heart when she finds that you show no signs of displeasure. You take a look at the pony-tailed woman and find that here attire is slightly different than that of the others. While all the other guards were in simple armor, the one before you has a small red cape over her shoulders.

“Who might you be, and what is your name?” you ask out of curiosity.

“M-Me? Ahh well... Errr,” the woman stammers in surprise as her hands wave about in the air. “I am no one of importance my lord. Well, I am the captain of the guards, but such is not an official rank amongst Lord Sun Jian's force...” she says. “I am but a commoner, born of a family of farmers. My name is Lan Huayu.”

Curious.

“And how exactly did the daughter of farmers come to be the captain of the guards?” you ask.

At your question the girl droops her shoulders down and her eyes swell up as if she looks like she wants to cry.

“Oh, oh, it was horrible. I was but 12 years old when Lady Sun kidnapped me,” she says.

Kidnapped!? You think.

“I was helping my mother and father out in the fields. I was carrying a sack of grains, and Lady Sun happened to be passing by with a few guards. She looked at me, pointed at me, and said 'That girl looks strong, bring her to me.' I was brought before her as ordered, and Lady Sun began to ask me a series of questions. That if I ever hunted, cut wood, and did any other hard labor. When I replied yes, she stated that from thereon I was to become her handmaiden. She demanded my poor father and mother to hand me over, and ever since I have been attending Lady Sun. She also forced me to learn the sword and train, and at some point, it happened that I became the captain of her guards a few years back.”

“You... seem to have your own troubles,” you say.

“Too many to count. Lady Sun gets in to so much trouble and I am the one who pays for it,” Huayu says. “...Ahh wait. Did I just complain out loud? Oh no!”

>well, do your best!
>my sympathies...
>this going on the record

>>786203
>>my sympathies...

>>786203
>>my sympathies...
>>well, do your best!
"Would you like to send word or write to your parents? It must have been sometime since you left and it can be arranged."

Gosh, SSX.

>>786203
>>my sympathies...
I know you want to show women are equal warriors ssx, but thats a bit too far.

>>786203
>my sympathies...

"That's... a little excessive."

>>786203
Kawaii desu

>>785898
>aged up SSX

you asshole

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“You have my sincerest sympathies,” you say with a slight bow. “Of course, you can be assured that nothing you say goes out. But I would be more careful if I were you,” you say to the Lan Huayu. She sighs again.

“I would not hear the end of it if word goes out. I would most definitely appreciate if we could both forget this moment...”

While the girl acts rather depressing, she smiles at the end.

“Thank you for your kindness Lord Zheng. I will do my best to keep Lady Sun out of your hair as well,” she says bowing respectfully before she departs.

------------------------

Sun Shang Xiang enters your domain as a guest, and throughout the month you hear complaints and voices of discontent at her attitude. She apparently treats all the guards and servants around the main hall as her own and is quite demanding. Despite the troubles, you do your best to tolerate the rude damsel.

Fall season comes. You hear word that Cao Cao has return to his lands and has begun battling Lu Bu. In the far north you hear that Yuan Shao has pacified his lands and is now preparing his army to attack Gongsun Zan once again. In the east you hear that Liu Bei who helped Tao Qian has been hailed as hero for his efforts and has taken residence with Tao Qian. Apparently Tao Qian offered Liu Bei governorship of his lands multiple times, but Liu Bei refused. You grimace slightly at the news; perhaps if you concentrated on helping Tao Qian and befriending him you may have had the opportunity to take Xu as well.

In any case, what actions do you take for the Fall season? You will gain taxes and more food at the end of this season.

>>786295
Talk to Xiang about her attitude, drill the men, administer gud?

>>786295
Talk to Xiang, help with the harvest, perhaps visit the academy to teach some lessons ourselves.

>>786295
Continue to build up the academy, look for new talent, make SSX less bratty

>>786295
>In any case, what actions do you take for the Fall season?

Administer!

Deal with issues within our lands and such

>>786295
Talk to SSX. Probably gonna have to spar with her with her to get her to stop her shit.

Also, recruit more talent. We're in need of more administrators.

>>786295
I'm up for sparring with Xiang, maybe it will smack some of the bitch out of her

Also make sure to drill some of the men in our spare time

Question on war, when should we make a move on Lujiang and more. We've got a good material advantage against Yuan shu and if we take that province, Jiangxia will be off the frontlines.

>>786338
As soon as winter passes, we have the advantage, best we press it.

File: sun shang xiang2.jpg (17 KB, 256x256)

17 KB JPG

You pay a visit to Sun Shang Xian, concerned with her unruly behavior and hoping perhaps you can become a little bit more friendly so that no trouble between you and the Sun family comes. You head towards her quarters and find her outside of her house, standing before a table and some wine as she watches her handmaidens train. You see that Lan Huayu is leading the training and the dozen guards women are fiercely swinging their swords and martial arts. Their training seems to be top notch as they follow Lan Huayu's moves in harmony.

At your presence the handmaidens stop their training and bow. This incurs the wrath of Shang Xiang, who barks out an order.

“When did I tell you to stop? Continue your training!” she shouts out.

“Y-Yes mam,” Lan Huayu says as she and the other women begin their swings once again. Sun Shang Xiang looks at you with displeasure when you arrive.

“What is it you want?” she says as she drinks a cup of her wine. “Can you not see I am busy?”

>tell her you came to see how she was doing
>say you came because she has been acting rudely to your servants and guards
>say you came to see her handmaidens train

>>786373
>>say you came because she has been acting rudely to your servants and guards

>>786373
>>say you came because she has been acting rudely to your servants and guards

time for a lil humble pie

>>786373
>>say you came because she has been acting rudely to your servants and guards
Think we need to be rather direct with her. She might not get it otherwise.

“I have heard that you have been rather curt with my servants and guards,” you say to Shang Xiang. “Would the rumors be true?”

Shang Xiang takes another drink of her wine.

“If by curt you mean I demanded they do their jobs, then yes,” she replies. “Is it the duty of servants to follow the orders of their masters no? You are the one who has given me your servants, and they are thus under my command and I can do what I want with them. It is no fault of mine when they screw up in their tasks and I am forced to yell at them to their jobs properly. Your guards have also been eyeing myself and my handmaidens with suspicion, it is only natural that I should tell them to mind their manners and rank no?” Shang Xiang responds.

“What, are you here to lecture me on treating people kindly? I expect the very best out of those who serve me and if your servants are lacking I shall be 'curt' with them.” She leans forward a bit and smirks. “What, do you want me out of your hospitality already? I would be glad to leave. You have but to ask.”

How do you reply?

>it might be for the best then for you to go
>...you are correct
>I will not tolerate disrespect towards my people no matter what

I forgot this was based on Shu propaganda for a second.

>>786416
>I will not tolerate disrespect towards my people no matter what

>>786416
>>I will not tolerate disrespect towards my people no matter what

>>786373
>I will not tolerate disrespect towards my people no matter what
How about we spar? I win you ease up and if I lose I will do one thing you ask for the day.

>>786416
>as your host I will show you respect, as my guest you will return the gesture. If my people fail to meet your standards you should do well to bring the matter up with me rather than carry on as if these are your own halls.

js if our people are fucking up, it is not up to her to berate and punish them. If she's simply being a bratty shit well

>>786416
>>I will not tolerate disrespect towards my people no matter what
"As their liege lord, any punishment and admonishments should be by my hand. I would appreciate it if you would instead bring up such problems to my attention. That they are suspicious of honoured guest from my good friend Sun Jian is a mistake and I shall see that it is rectified. However it is not helped by your attitude towards them. Furthermore, it reflects poorly on you and as a representative of your father in this court."

File: mad as fuck3.jpg (160 KB, 825x621)

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“You have come here to my domains as a guest,” you reply. “We have treated you thus far with the utmost of respect and courtesy. I expect the same from you, and I will not have you berating the people that serve me. When Lord Sun Jian visited me many years ago, we treated one another with dignity. Why can the daughter of the tiger not do the same?”

At your words Sun Shang Xiang looks to grow angry and her hands fist in to a ball. You do not back down as she glares at you with teeth gritted. After a few seconds of a staredown, it is Shang Xiang who relents as she looks away with a small scoff.

“So be it then,” she says. It seems that you bringing up Sun Jian got something through. “I shall do as you ask, so you leave me be,” she says getting up. “The training is done, Huayu. You and the rest of the guards take a break,” Shang Xiang says as she walks off towards another section of the house. You see Lan Huayu sigh and scratch the back of her head as she dismisses the guards.

...Well things went better than expected you suppose. What do you now?

>follow Shang Xiang
>speak with Lan
>leave the premise as was requested

>>786416
feels like we are going to have to spar with her sooner or later to get her to show some respect.Hopefully she gets cocky and telegraphs her moves.

>>786493
>>speak with Lan
insights pls

>>786493
>speak with Lan

>>786493
>>follow Shang Xiang

>>786493
>follow Shang Xiang

>>786493
>>speak with Lan
Umm did that go well?

>speak with Lan
Better waifu than SSX cunt.

>>786493
>>follow Shang Xiang

We have broken her in front of her retinue, how about we host a small feast and invite her to sit at our right hand?

>>786493
>>follow Shang Xiang
>>speak with Lan
I think I get the gist of it. With the way she talks about her father, she has a lot of respect for him and he probably talked about us saving his life. She doesn't want to let him down, but she doesn't want to be another blushing bride or political marriage.

>>786517
Ah, meant only follow Shang Xiang. Another thing to consider; female soldiers may be relatively rare and Jian's view of females fighting may be skewed as well. So, young noble with much to prove.

ok Lan is our new waifu now....we must free her from that certain lady tigress and maybe...just maybe we can waifu him.

I mean ill ship her and Zheng Li a thousand times

>>786526
>Another thing to consider; female soldiers may be relatively rare and Jian's view of females fighting may be skewed as well. So, young noble with much to prove.

desu I'd rather we were going after a courtly and proper lady but I fear we won't be getting that this quest

>>786493
>follow Shang Xiang

>>786530
I'm honestly kind of feeling Lan myself desu

She's nice

>>786530
>>786536

>peasant waifu

lads pls

>>786536
Or maybe if we play this right, she comes as a package deal with ssx

>>786530
>>786536
We knew SSX was going to be rough. If we wanted a submissive quiet bitch, we could just pick up whatever farm girl we found.
We just gotta man up and grab this tiger by the pussy.

>>786541
well to be fair a lady do need her handmaiden

Is anyone in favor of breaking SSX from bratty stronk warrior woman to respectable lady?

>gunning for SSX despite no reasons to like her so far
Wufags
pls
go

>>786550
I'd rather have her become more like Sun Jian, honestly.
Respectable, Honorable Warrior Woman.

>>786551
I don't really want it either, but at this point between wufags and arpeggio seeming biased towards it I don't think there's much choice.

>>786554
AHAHAHAHA

you know he quit last time because of Wufags?

File: kashima pls go.png (312 KB, 480x480)

312 KB PNG

Rolled 1 (1d2)

I hate Abukuma gib Kinu.

>>786553
>Warrior Woman.

Just that I have no interest in such things.

>>786559

And then enables it...

I'm still a bit salty over wufags fucking up serving Yuan Shao

>>786536
>>786540
>>786548
to be honest, we already talked about that after the war, we gonna find some peasant shy cute chinese waifu and then live with him and grow old while [spoler]holding hands[/spoiler]

>>786551
Those who follow the path of least resistance tend to be dragged along the currents. We constantly pushed getting a wife before and as is, it's a important move both diplomacy and for ensuring a future.
>>786559
Figured it was more due to the constant complaining and yelling on both sides. Being overly opinionated and destructive to everyone who does not agree with you causes nothing but trouble.

>>786559
I'm sure the fact that you literally cannot stop blaming everything on and screeching about wufags when things don't go your way didn't help.

>>786548
Man I'm fine with whatever, but if it were up to just me I'd go with Lan.

Fuggit we could probably have both, take Xiang as a wife and Lan as a Concubine. Why the fuck not?

Fucking Christ. Have a civil argument.

>>786577
wufags is pretty cancer tho

I mean at least there ain't a hard on for Liu Bei but still

>>786578
Not a bad choice. Get some kids from both, have them be brothers/siblings and look out for each other. Add our adopted son and we'll have a good start.

>>786493
>follow Shang Xiang
Lan can be our concubine

File: Lan Huayu2.jpg (168 KB, 666x1000)

168 KB JPG

With Sun Shang Xiang gone and seemingly wanting to be left alone you decide to have a chat with the captain of the guards as the rest of the retinue leaves. Huayu gives you an awkward smile as you come before her.

"That... Did not go so well did it?" she says with a finger on her chin.

"My intention was that she understood her position and to make the lives of my men easier. With that accomplished, I think things went fine."

"Mmm... I am glad to know you also did not fall for one of her ploys, Lord Zheng," she says.

,,,A ploy?

"Well, you cannot blame Lady Sun for trying to egg you to kick her out. It was Lord Sun Jian that made her come here and if she could force you to kick her out then the blame would fall upon you rather than her. A bit dastardly, but Lady Sun has always been clever."

>...Yes I totally had that figured out
>wait, she was scheming like that!?

>>786578
Absolutely okay with this plan

>>786589
I like that, if we keep taking care of our current harem of 1 we'll probably have a kickass child coming out of that eventually that we can put through the Academy.

We ought to put our current adopted son into that academy in another few years or so

>>786596
>>...Yes I totally had that figured out
So she does not want to be used does she?

>>786586
Flow of the Quest.
It won't always go your way, but constantly REEEEEing about shit doesn't help either. If you're outvoted there ain't shit you can do, like it or not.

>>786589
>>786578
I'm fine with this plan.

>>786596
>...Yes I totally had that figured out

>>786596
Your math seems off lad

>wait, she was scheming like that!?

>>786596
>...Yes I totally had that figured out

Everyone here saw that coming right?

>>786596
>>...Yes I totally had that figured out
That is definitely a thing I was aware of from the start, yes indeed.

>>786596
>>...Yes I totally had that figured out
Figured as much. SSX wants to be a warrior, not a diplomatic pawn. So she wants to go back to her dad and fight. Might be a good idea to spar with her. See her skill and show our own as a warrior.

>>786604
>It won't always go your way, but constantly REEEEEing about shit doesn't help either. If you're outvoted there ain't shit you can do, like it or not.

to be fair some votes were set and then screwed by different sets of players

hence our supposed indecisiveness

>>786613
>Might be a good idea to spar with her.

So wrestle her, pin her down and then...?

>>786618
Yeah, but that's a pitfall of running shit on a board like this. It's the cause of severe schizophrenia in all quest protags.

>>786621
>So wrestle her, pin her down and then...?
Praise her father. Full gay for Sun Jian style.

>>786621
Tell her where she went wrong and show her the moves to correct her posture. Then we share a drink then be on our way. Make her come to us.

"...Of course, she was certainly clever, but as a man who has seen the battlefield many times and dealt with those ratty politicians, I can smell a ruse when it is nearby," you state, putting on air in front of the captain.

Lan Huayu nods.

"Then you must also understand that it must be difficult for Lady Sun. It was her wish to fight on the front lines with her father and brother, but Lord Sun Jian deemed her too young yet to participate. He stated she should gain more experience in the world and sent her here. While her attitude has been... Well boorish, she's in a foreign land away from her home and family. Please treat her kindly as possible," Huayu states.

"...Wait did I just call Lady Sun boorish? Oh no!"

While a bit scatterbrained, it seems the captain is quite loyal and empathetic towards her matter. In fact, she seems quite well-spoken and well-mannered despite being a commoner.

>ask about Huayu's mannerism
>ask how good she is at fighting
>joke that you're going to tell Shang Xiang what Huayu just called her

>>786636
>>joke that you're going to tell Shang Xiang what Huayu just called her
>>ask how good she is at fighting

In this order.

>>786636
>>ask how good she is at fighting

>>786640
backing

>>786636
>>ask about Huayu's mannerism

>>786640
This is fine.

After this we should grab some training weapons and go after the tigress

>>786636
>>ask how good she is at fighting
Sparring time is always a good time. If she's worried about her skills we can give her a crash course and show her the Academy.

>>786636
>ask about Huayu's mannerism

>>786661
Speaking of the academy, we should make it available to ssx. Especially the command courses. There must be training grounds and mock battles where men are arranged and led.

There she can train herself up to meet her father's expectations.

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>786636
Ok its official

Lan is now our waifu and shall be named Lan Li

>rolling for Lan Li on how hard she wants Zheng 10 inch Staff

>>786636
>ask about Huayu's mannerism

>>786682
>Speaking of the academy, we should make it available to ssx. Especially the command courses. There must be training grounds and mock battles where men are arranged and led.

nah... lets make her a proper lady

>>786693
Definitely can be done but we should help her with her aspirations first. Then she'll be more open with that once we've offered help in this regard.

>>786682
A good idea. Could refine her attitude while also making her capable of leading forces or training troops.

>>786699

Eh. Enable her and she'll run wild with it

File: sure mate.jpg (22 KB, 253x323)

22 KB JPG

"Such disrespect for your master. I do not think I can let that one slide, I should tell Lady Sun," you say.

"W-Wait a minute," Huayu says coming forward. "You cannot!"

"I am the lord of these lands. I think I am allowed to do such."

"But... But..."

"Besides, I can get on her good side this way. By your downfall I shall benefit."

"Y-You are most cruel!" Huayu complains and she grabs at your robes to prevent you from going. You laugh.

"I am only joking," you say through a fit of laugh.

"Lord Zheng is not as kind as I thought," the captain replies with a displeased look.

"My apologies, my apologies," you say. "You looked so frantic I thought I might as well poke at you." Huayu frowns and looks away from you with arms crossed. "In any case, how good are you at fighting?" you ask.

"H-Huh?" she says turning back to you. "Not good at all my lord," she says with a shake of her head. "I have learned martial arts under the tutelage of Lady Sun's master as per her orders, and maybe fought a few thugs or so. But I have never been in combat."

"How about we spar?" you say picking up a wooden sword.

"Wait," Huayu says making gestures of no with her hands. "Wait wait wait wait. I cannot seriously contend with you my lord. I do not possess the ability t-"

"It does not matter," you say tossing her a sword. "A fight is a fight and I would like a friendly spar for once. My wounds from the last battle have healed and I am itching for a bit of action. Come, you do not have to win, just show me what you can do," you say.

Huayu sighs and with a slight frown readies her practice sword.

>Post 5 rounds, 1d100, >Strike > Swing > Parry
>war bonus from items do not count since practice duel

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>786722
STRIKE!

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>786722
Swing

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>786722
Cute! My heart.

Parry

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>786722
Sweep

>>786722
wait what

spar SSX

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>786722
strike horribly for our waifu

no wait

strike on one of her boutiful bosom (heart area)

>>786731
No, no. We must lure in the Tigeress first. Surely she will hear the sounds of combat and become curious, drawing closer.
Then when she lets down her guard, we can grab her by the pussy.

File: what.gif (4.98 MB, 475x267)

4.98 MB GIF

Huayu readies her stance, and it seems she's on the defensive. You test her strength out by making a few attacks in her direction, and she parries them quite skillfully. It seems she's quite well trained, but as she said, you have more experience and you are certain you are better than her.

...Perhaps it was overconfidence that got to the best of you. As you make your attacks against Huayu, she parries your attacks and manages to land a square hit on your shoulder. Surprised by the counter-move, you go for a difference stance of attack. But Huayu sees an opportunity and she goes on the offensive, hitting you with a barrage of attacks as she swings her sword left and right and uses her agile body to make swift attacks at your stomach. You are able to return a few attacks against her.

At the last moment Huayu manages to duck under one of your thrusts and with a quick swipe of her sword she manages to knock your feet as you fall on your back.

...Inexperienced my ass, you think. You slowly get up and Huayu looks at you with a nervous.

“Uhh... Ummm well... Did you go easy on me sir?”

>...Yes I went easy
>no, you beat me

Strike vs Parry (Zheng Li -10 HP)
Swing vs Swing (Zheng Li -11 HP, Huayu -12 HP)
Parry vs Parry (Zheng Li -11 HP, Huayu -14 HP)
Swing vs Strike (Zheng Li -11 HP)
Strike vs Parry (Zheng Li -11 HP)

Zheng Li: 46 HP
Huayu: 74 HP

>>786773
Y-yeah I went easy

>>786773
>no, you beat me.
humble in defeat....now i wanna waifu this grill so hard

>>786773
>no, you beat me

"That was most impressive!"

>>786773
>>no, you beat me
ALso Jesus fuck we got destroyed!

>>786773
>disregard peasant, pursue tigress

>>786773
and so the legend of Zheng Li comes to an end, as he was beaten like a red headed step child by a peasant women.

She just got lucky desu

>>786781
Addendum:
Perhaps that my injury during the war made me a little sluggish...this may prove that i may need some sparring partners. I wish that we may spar in the future. Then bow and finsh SSX

>>786773
>no, you beat me
"I might have misjudged and so went easier on you but it makes my failure all the more apparent. It is a lesson i will have to relearn, lest i lose in a real fight."

File: Samidare68.jpg (79 KB, 1000x1000)

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“No, you soundly defeated me,” you say getting up and massaging your neck from the fall you took. You look at Huayu who seems astonished by this fact. “Though I do think I could get the better of you if we should spar again, you should not underestimate your own abilities. You are quite a good fighter and if you keep it up you could match the best warriors in my rank.”

Lan Huayu fighting Zhang He, or fighting Yang Jing. That would be interesting. Wait, cut Yang Jing out, he would likely hit on the girl rather than try to fight.

“I...I did it!” Huayu says with a cheer and a jump instinctively. She quickly realizes in a few seconds on the discourtesy of her actions and puts herself in back in a respectful posture. “I-I mean I got lucky Lord Zheng... I am certain I would lose in most situations.”

You laugh and look at Huayu with a smile.

“Perhaps more spars in the future will do you good. Until then, take care of Lady Sun,” you say as you prepare to leave. Huayu bows respectfully and a small glance at her as you depart shows a glittering smile.

---------------------

Session end for today. I'll post again tomorrow at 4:00 PST but I'll only have a few hours before I have to go out.

>>786815
>Huayu bows respectfully and a small glance at her as you depart shows a glittering smile.
My kokoro >.< this is why Arpeggio is good when presenting a potential waifu

>>786815
Super cute, we must have her. As a concubine.

Thanks for running arppegio.

Did ssx see the fight?

>>786815
10/10 concubine material

>>786815

What is her war anyways. This little strongest waifu.

File: IMG_0095.jpg (53 KB, 640x640)

53 KB JPG

Lan Huayu = SSX, SSX = Some haughty peasant stunt double

>>786977
Pfffft

>>786815
We need to best SSX in combat. Break her haughtiness. Make her into a proper warrior lady. Then take her as a concubine while Huayu had been our senior wife all this time.

>>786977
FUG
>>787052
>The Princess that was Queened to death!

>>787052
Actually, I even have a plan. Let's organize a friendly tournament between the generals, invite everyone willing to participate. Specifically ask Wang Yi to come. Invite SSX as well. Organize it so that everyone has a chance to fight everyone. Let SSX be beaten by every general. Profit.

tfw some peasant girl OC of Arpeggio's kicks our ass.

>>786977
But SSX is know as a Strict Tsundere....at least according to my chinese cartoons and games.

>>787172
We are super lucky this happens is a practice duel and not in some actual battle.

>Miss one session

>Ignore based Lu Bu, and flat refusal of all of his offer
>Let SSX run rampant in our court, showing us to be a weak and pathetic leader; probably because anons can't keep the dick in their pants, likely losing Sun Jian's respect when he hears of it

>On the other hand, based Lan appears, and proves to be top fucking tier concubine material


>We really, really need to fuck the bitch out of SSX. Preferably by getting Lan to help us dominate her in bed
>TFW you really, really want to get SSX interested in us, then have her "overhear" us fugging her handmaiden right next to her room

File: cao cao 12.png (360 KB, 720x400)

360 KB PNG

>>787650
>based Lu Bu
post thrown into the latrine

>>787976
I'm not saying we should've signed up then and there, or even that we should've accepted, but just been a bit more friendly than "lolno pls go and stay go" because we could have gotten rid of fucking CAO CAO and replaced him with Lu Bu as a potential enemy. And Lu Bu, without a goddamn protagonist on his side, is a fucking chump.

It's like having the opportunity to replace hitler with a monkey spray painted black with a swastika armband, and going "What, no way man, that hitler guy is legit."

>>788028
We should have offered Chen Gong rest and food before he left, but honestly if it comes to a situation like in canon where they get him drunk, murder his daughter and steal his horse, it might be prudent to send him a note saying "Hey Lu Bu, don't get fucking wasted tonight."

If anything I'd like to try and save Lingqi.

What is it with autists and wu

>>788117
I'll admit I was a wufag, and still kinda am, but seriously, we should have fucking been polite to Lu Bu. And not let SSX run rampant and make us a fucking mockery in OUR OWN FUCKING COURT. Like, we don't have to send her back, but holy shit, make an effort to make her calm her tits that are raging out of control.

But hey, on the bright side, Lan is fucking great. Like, to the point where losing against her actually resulted in good things. She's totally best girl at this point.

>TFW Jian comes by and tries to get us to marry his daughter
>HFW our first question is if her guard captain is included in the deal or not

>>788185
>Waifus: the session

Guess ill come back next time

>>788185
But we didn't let her run rampant. When she first arrived we came to address her personally, and when she continued being a little shit we told her to chill out because she was being disrespectful and she relented.

We dealt with the problem responsibly without stoking the flames and making things even worse. I think Sun Jian would appreciate how we handled things.

File: lu fan.jpg (42 KB, 360x512)

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After having visited Sun Shang Xiang and successfully convincing her to be more respectful, as well as getting to know her guard captain better, you focus your efforts on searching for more talented intellectuals to add to your retinue of vassals. You ask Lu Fan if he knows any prospective individuals, and Lu Fan suggests recruiting one of Liu Biao's officers.

"With Liu Biao vanquished many of his officers are now free. Some have joined Lord Sun Jian while others have retired. Jing province has always been known for scholarly folk, seek one of them out."

You scrounge up the scholars that previously served Liu Biao and find a few options. Who do you pay a visit to?

>an avid historian, a collector of books
>an important noble of Jing, said to be mild in manner
>a skilled judge, apparently Liu Biao did not appreciate his full talents

>>788772
>>a skilled judge, apparently Liu Biao did not appreciate his full talents

>>788772
>>an avid historian, a collector of books

>>788772
>a skilled judge, apparently Liu Biao did not appreciate his full talents

>>788772
>avid historian
I love armchair historians!

>>788772
>>a skilled judge, apparently Liu Biao did not appreciate his full talents
Aw yeh, unappreciated people tend to be loyal to people who, you know, APPRECIATE them

You pay a visit to the man apparently underappreciated by Liu Biao, thinking his loyalty could come easier than the others. You find from rumors that his residence is near the Chang Jian river and after scouring the area, you find him outside his small humble cottage. He sits outside his house, looking calmly across the river and writing a few notes on his wooden pamphlet. When you approach he seems to pay you no heed as he lost in thoughts.

"The ever loyal fish longs to return to his birth home
His passage blocked by the torrents
He swims against the currents
Only to find the home that spawned him gone
His tears are lost to the river"

The man seems to mumbling a poem. You respectfully allow him to finish before you address.

"Excuse me Sir," you say bowing respectfully. "I am Zheng Li, lord of these lands. I have come to seek you patronage."

He looks at you, and upon closer inspection you find that he looks ill and a bit sickly. Perhaps this was the reason why he was neglected by Liu Biao.

"Lord Zheng Li? Please, sit down," he says as he motions for you to sit across from him. "I was thinking of a few poems to pass the time. The fact that we humans can create pictures and feelings with a few words... Is quite a privilege. Please, would you mind reciting me a poem of your own? Anything will do as long as it is from the heart."

It seems he wants you to recite a short poem. What words do you recite?

>>788772
>a skilled judge, apparently Liu Biao did not appreciate his full talents

Also
>>785502
>Huang Zhong is dead

Oh well, guess sparing him wasn't enough.

>>788928
Two monks sit facing, playing chess on the mountain,
The bamboo shadow on the board is dark and clear.
Not a person sees the bamboo's shadow,
One sometimes hears the pieces being moved.

>>788928
Oh fuck, ancient chinese poems

>>788944
This, I guess. Better than anything I'd make

>>788928
A heavenly woman's imprisoned in the palace at Penglai Hill,
All are silent as she sleeps by day in the painted hall.
Her glossy hair is spread like cloud on the pillow,
Her embroidered clothes bear a wondrous fragrance.
I secretly come and slide the pearl lock back,
She's startled from her dream behind the silver screen.
Her smiling face is overflowing with bliss,
We gaze at each other with unbounded love.

I do not wish to fight to my death
The years pass as flowing water
Blood and hate on my blade
Vanish like dispersing cloud

we war poem now

>>788928
>Roses are red
>Violets are blue
>You look sick
>Do you have the flu?

A tiger searches, amidst the river's grasses,
To find the noble crane, silent yet wise.
The tiger finds his mark and finds him all alone,
The crane's mind it wanders, in the heavens far above.
And so the tiger joins him in his journey,
So the crane shall join his hunt.

I'm not happy with this but it'll do.

The times are hard: a year of famine has emptied the fields,
My brothers live abroad- scattered west and east.
Now fields and gardens are scarcely seen after the fighting,
Family members wander, scattered on the road.
Attached to shadows, like geese ten thousand li apart,
Or roots uplifted into September's autumn air.
We look together at the bright moon, and then the tears should fall,
This night, our wish for home can make five places one.

I get off my horse, drink yoir wine
and ask where you go
You return home as if unappreciated
and i have never hear from you ever since


this is more fitting for this guy

i admit i was ripping off somechinese game about my equipment having some chinese poem.

>>788928
A old heron, as it happens,
Bit blind, bit crooked,
When fish could no longer catch,
Such drafted concept,
Said as to fishes: "You don't know,
Tho it's all bout you".
So the fifhes wanted to know,
What to fear they have,
"Yesterday
At night
I heard, Fishermen
talk: Lots of work
fishing with rods and nets;
Let's dry the lake, take them all."
Fishes cry, and heron says:
"I feel your pain,
But we can help it,
and settle you elsewhere;
There's nearby other lake,
Though they dry first,
They won't move you from there."
"So help us move!" Said the fish,
Heron shrugged,
But let itself be used.
Took one afther another, as if carry it,
While slowly eating.
Ewentually decided to try the crayfish.
One seeing, that he's carried into bushes,
Noticed betreyal, decided to taste revenge.
As he grabbed it by the neck, Heron soon lied dead.
As it happens to the traitors.

>>788944
The man listens to your poem and after hearing it nods.

"Interesting. It says a lot on your character Lord Zheng, and it is perhaps a relevant revelation on why you have taken over Jing province and removed the former lord of this place. What this tells me is that you are an ever-scheming person, a man ruled by self-interest and making decisions based on your benefit. Perhaps those with virtue and principles may be turned away from you."

The man makes a small sigh and leans back in his chair.

"You have come here seeking my service nonetheless. Yet, I must ask Lord Zheng, for what reasons should I serve you. I chose to serve Lord Liu Biao because he was a man of peace and you have destroyed him in your quest for domination. It seems ill-suiting that I would serve someone who was once my enemy."

How do you reply?

>state Liu Biao never appreciated him, but you can make full use of him
>talk about your ambition and quest to unify the land
>state he has a duty to the people, regardless of who he serves

>>789096
>muh ambition
I like being brutally honest with people, we are doing this for all the right reasons, we are not a tyrant

>>789096
>state Liu Biao never appreciated him, but you can make full use of him
>talk about your ambition and quest to unify the land
>state he has a duty to the people, regardless of who he serves

>>789096
>>talk about your ambition and quest to unify the land
>"Regardless of who you serve, the fact remains that the lands remain in chaos. A man of Liu Biao is honorable and respectable, if not admirable in times of peace, but in these chaotic times we live, then it was only a matter of time till he fell. This is a time of warlords, until such a time as one of them finally comes out on top."

Then just toss in some BENEVOLENCE here and there, alongside some "I'm gonna run this shit, famalam", and he should eat it up.

>>789096
Arpeggio how is that a scheming poem? I meant it more a show an analogy between people meeting and trying to understand the other.

>>789168
Silence foul villain

>>789096
>talk about your ambition and quest to unify the land

"I did not come here to flatter you or lie to you. I seek to conquer this land, and I will admit that I do so to bring honor to myself and to my family, but it is more than that. The people suffer at the hands of cruel and inept leaders in these dark times, if I do not take charge then who else will stand against them?"

"If you join me, then perhaps together we can help make this land great again as it was in the early days of Han? That is why I came to you."

>>789220
warriors are not the only ones who die
all classes of people know their duty
are ashamed to neglect it
and realize that death is inevitable

Looking through Death Haikus from Shogun Total War to find something relevant

>>789096
>>talk about your ambition and quest to unify the land

File: wang can.jpg (33 KB, 360x512)

33 KB JPG

"The decisions I have made have all been for my ambition to unify the land. I seek a greater purpose than secluding myself to my territory. The land is at war and heroes must rise to restore peace back as it has always been since through history. I held no grudge to Lord Liu Biao, but it was necessary for me to fight him and overcome him."

At your words the sickly man shakes his head.

"The ends do not always justify the means. The reason why the Han has fallen in the first place is because the people of this land has forgotten their virtues and principles. It is men like you who seek power in their hearts and seek to make excuses to cover them that the world is out of harmony."

He stands up.

"I cannot serve you.The blood that has been shed in Jing province lies on your hands and Sun Jian's. Please leave."

The man removes himself from your presence and moves back to his home. Quite unfortunately, you have failed to recruit him.

>>789338
You collect your taxes and food storage at the end of the Fall season, (+1400 gold) your income greatly increased by your investments. The food stores you have gathered and stolen from Yuan Shu have enough for about half a year's worth of campaigning. Currently the farms in Runan are small and if you wish to make a bigger surplus of food, you may want to increase your farms as they support about 5000 worth of soldiers, and your current army is around that number.

Word reaches you from Pei that Song Qian and Zhu Ling have conscripted about a 1000 soldiers in the commandery and they expect to get more men as the time passes, while Lin Chi is working on bringing more people to the unpopulated lands of the area. Hao Xian at Chen has in total around 4000 soldiers and word has spread that the gardens he has constructed attracts intellectuals to the area. He speaks with scholars in his free time. At Jiangxia Du Ji is focusing on trade and eliminating bandits around the area, and Zhang He commands 3000 soldiers that can come to your aid in a campaign.

You hear Lu Bu has been defeated in the north. While Cao Cao and Lu Bu fought evenly and to a stalemate for some time, the people of Cao Cao's lands rioted against Lu Bu. Faced with Cao Cao's army on one side and a rebellion at his back, Lu Bu was eventually forced to flee and Cao Cao has retaken his territories.

In any case, what do you work on in the season of Fall?

>>789350
Recruit 1000 troops.

Use 400 gold on improving farms.

>>789350
800 troops
200 crossbows
remainder on farms and trade

>>789364
Backing

You recruit another thousand soldiers in to your fold and they all receive training from your military academies and come out as Adept soldiers. (+1000 Adept soldiers)

With the rest of your coffers you focus on improving the farms for the Winter month, intent on making big harvest the next season. You clear away unused land for farmworks, invite those who have no jobs to oversee them, create irritation works and water reservoirs. Your efforts come in great stride, as by the end of the season your food income can feed a total of 7000 soldiers easily and increases the amount of food that you save in reserve when no campaigning.

>>789350
Agree with 1000 soldiers and additional farm construction to feed them all

File: zhang he.jpg (79 KB, 800x600)

79 KB JPG

>>789721
On the eve of on misty cold morning, you decide to see how the commandery of Jiangxia is doing. Du Ji has done a find job of administrating the area and his focus on fair law gives support around the area. With the Cai family backing you up, especially since you hold Cai Shi as a concubine and you have worked a small deal with her to secure her son's line, all seems to be going well here. The soldiers that Zhang He has recruited are also trained and up to par, though they require some battles to improve.

Speaking of which you decide to see how Zhang He is doing but you cannot find him in the city nor near the barracks. Asking around, the guards inform you that Zhang He is likely doing his hobby of painting near the hills outside of the city.

“Painting?” you ask. “I did not know Zhang He was painter.”

“Well..” the guards say. “He kind of isn't...”

You are unsure what the guards mean, but you go and seek Zhang He out. You find that man just outside the city walls as the guard said and the man is ever so well-dressed in his purple silken tunic. You go to greet the man.

“Ahh, welcome Lord Zheng! I was just using my spare time to do my hobby.”

“So I have heard. You paint, Zhang He?”

“Yes sir. When I am not on duty or training, I devote my time to the culture arts. A man must be refined and look with dignity, least a warrior forgets he is human and finds himself a brute.”

“Let me see your painting,” you say to Zhang He.

“But of course!”

...You look at Zhang He's painting. You are at lost. You are confused. It is a jumble of weird colors, and even a kid could do better. Whatever it is, it's awful. Really bad.

“What do you my Lord? Please, tell me what you think?”

>it's really good!
>perhaps painting is not your strong suite...

>try to guess what it is

>>789730
>it's really good!
>try to guess what it is
>perhaps painting is not your strong suite...
but at least you seek to improve yourself, that is much better than most attempt and strive for!

>>789730
>>it's really good!
Beautiful!
>try to guess what it is
Clearly, it is a flock of crows spewing lightning onto the ground, causing all sorts of scattered grass, debris, and leaves about! Truly an inspirational piece of work!

All of this is of course 100% legitimate. We have an absolutely completely brilliantly terrible taste in art

>>789730
Look at it from every angle and distance, looking sideways upside down, head cocked to the side
>It's very nice. What is it?

>>789730
>>try to guess what it is
"Is that the Jing mountains?"

>>789730
>>perhaps painting is not your strong suite...
The commandery?

File: zhang he.png (125 KB, 240x240)

125 KB PNG

You look at the painting from every angle you and you try to analyze the strange work. After a through search, you gain a small idea of what it is. The sharp things at the top look like... mountains? And the middle is a river leading towards it, and the rest should be grass?

"Is it a scenic painting of the river leading towards the western mountains of Hanzhong?" you say.

"Yes, quite right my lord!" Zhang He says with a broad smile. "I knew you would see it right away."

"Yes well, it's quite interesting," you manage to say, not having the heart to tell the proud man that his artwork is a disaster. "With constant improvement you may yet become a master artist."

"Indeed," Zhang He says with a nod. "I wish to share it with Master Hao Xian and perhaps we can share a cup of tea if I visit Chen. I hear he has become quite the refined man himself and his gardens are a work of art."

You wonder if Hao Xian will be as kind in his words as you were towards Zhang He's work.

"Perhaps you would like to draw something as well my lord?"

>sure, choose something to paint
>no, art is not for me

>>789920
>>sure, choose something to paint
>Zhang He

Time to reveal our FANTASTIC TALENT

>>789920
>>sure, choose something to paint
The commandery.

>>789920

>sure, choose something to paint
jade phoenix tower? is that a thing yet? (at all?)

File: IMG_0096.jpg (350 KB, 565x800)

350 KB JPG

>>789920
A dragon, as crudely as we can!

>>789920
>>sure, choose something to paint
A demon with a general's cap

Rolled 52 (1d100)

rolling for painting our waifu Lan Huayu

>>789970
You decide to draw a dragon. You use all of your abilities and efforts in and...

>roll 1d100, avg of three. Pol stat

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>790068
Oh dear

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>790068

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>790068
nat 1

>>790076
>>790085
>>790104
Huh, not as bad as I thought it'd be

>>790076
>>790085
>>790104

Why cant we get something like this when it matters.

>>790123
This does matter!

>>790148
Not as much, good sir!