Palace of Jiangling

[Liu Bei]

Where the courts and prefect reside.

[Fa Zheng]

"Why didn't you reprimand that rude gate guard, master?"

Fa Zheng shook his head, looking towards the palace before them, before smiling very slightly at Shao Jiang.

"And make a poor impression immediately upon arrival? No, we must keep cordial relations whenever possible, particularly during the initial period of our residence."

He coughed slightly, and rubbed one of his eyes, which was watering in the bright sunlight. The summer months always seemed to play havoc with his eyes, and the dust that had collected in the streets never helped matters. Jiang nodded at the wisdom, and then started to step forward into the palace. But Fa Zheng stopped him with a shake of his head once again.

"Before we go in...let me do the talking, my friend."

He didn't say anything else, and Jiang nodded, knowing that it wasn't a slur on his diplomatic abilities at all- it was simply a smart move. Zheng undoubtedly had something ready in case they were questioned. The two strode forward into the main entrance of the palace, but were surprised to discover that there was a complete lack of administrative staff in the entire palace- only attendants, rather than the appropriate civil ministers. Fa Zheng frowned minutely, and turned to Jiang.

"We'd better start setting up then, I suppose. Lord Guan Yu and Lord Zhang Song will be arriving shortly, so they can aid us upon arrival."

Jiang bowed hastily, and left the room. Zheng simple watched him leave, and then stood in the middle of the vast audience chamber, the open windows catching his eye. Who knew what might lay ahead, for them?

[Liu Bei]

One man knew, he knew well to what they'd be doing as he made his way toward the seat of power hastily as he swiftly turned and sped through hallways. All knew who he was, steering clear of the grand Shu lord, fearful of his large winding spear the he wielded always with him. His hair and robes brushed in the wind, though his armor was located in a bundle back near his horse. His long, black hair flew with him as he leaped above to maids cleaning a mess upon the floor.. And finally, he reached the man in question, he spoke as he entered, his eyes closed while his face was slightly looking down.

"Lord Fa Zheng, I have come here today to inform you and the officers under you that we are here today have proclaimed War against Wu. Until now have we recognized their insolence at Jiang Xia, and in taking our farthest foundation. Today! We will seal Wu's fate there and take it back! But we must wait and see until Lord Liu Bei rallies the troops. Come, prepare your armies!"

[Zhang Song]

Zhang Song rode up to the palace the dismounted, tieing his steed to the hitch. he brushed his robes off, his horse let out a soft whine as he entered the unfamiler palace of Jiang Ling. upon entering he saw his comrade Fa Zheng, he smiled softly and quietly came up next him.

"We have much work to do, eh Xiaozhi?"

[Fa Zheng]

(I'm assuming this is Shibo, Lyle.)

Fa Zheng glanced up from several charts and complex diagrams regarding the fields, wondering about the sudden interruption. He recognised Shibo, one of Liu Bei's most loyal officers, and a man to be respected- and not simply due to his fearsome appearance. Zheng stood up, and walked towards Shibo, as the man wasted no time in delivering his message. It was clearly of the utmost importance, and Shao Jiang also wandered amiably over into the center of the room to hear the man speak swiftly and concisely. Zheng listened with a growing burden on his heart, and was already nodding before Shibo had even finished speaking. Jiang looked puzzled, and began to interrupt, but Fa Zheng hurriedly waved him off until Shibo finished.

"Thank you, Sir. It is much appreciated by both of us that you came in person to break this news to us, and our understanding of the global situation is all the better for it."

He bowed to Shibo, and Jiang, after a moment's hesitation, did likewise. Fa Zheng sighed slightly, and tapped his foot against the floor as though in some sort of distress. Jiang was about to ask him what was wrong, when Zhang Song made his appearance, considerably lightening Fa Zheng's mood, as he always seemed to manage. Jiang fell silent, nodding courteously to his master's friend as Zheng began to speak animately, suddenly enthused, quite contrary to his previous disposition.

"Indeed, my friend- it's heartening to see you here. I've just received news that we are to march shortly...I'll explain on the way. I just need to leave the guards an instruction for Lord Guan Yu, should he arrive."

He led the way to the door, bowing to Shibo as he left the palace as swiftly as when he had come, and then whispered to the guards at the door, passing on what to do once Guan Yu arrived. Then, he smiled to Shao Jiang and Zhang Song, gesturing to the doorway with his long, green and white sleeves.

"We have much to accomplish at the barracks, my comrades. The fate of Shu- our fates, begin here. Our legends can begin to be crafted."

And with that, he led the way to the barracks, explaining everything to Zhang Song and Shao Jiang on the way, regarding what they must do, and how.