The Purple Oasis

[Sun Ce]

The oasis is a peaceful place, just next to the river. The water runs in a soothing pace, and is quite refreshing on warm days. It is called the purple oasis because the bushes around the meeting spot are purple. There is a courtyard, a very small one, in the center of the oasis, surrounded by a pool of fresh water, with two seats and a table.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei's horse jogs across the land, its body refreshed within the peaceful climate, giving it but a revitalizing feeling, taking away the thoughts of the long march. Bei feels the same, patting his horse as he makes his way through thick brush and finally appears upon the scene, a table and two chairs before him. He dismounts just as his body guard does, who takes one chair and puts it upon the other side of the table. Both men bear arms, both men bear armor. Strong enough armor to hold blows back, and arrows if from a weak bowmen. Liu Bei waits for the supposed lord of Jiang Xia..

[Sun Ce]

"So you are the famous Liu Xuande, one of the two Heroes of the land? It is an honor to meet you, one would say I admire how you treat the people. How stange our peoples are at war, when the Sun Family thinks as highly of their people as you. Please, take a seat."

*Ci Zhou was sitting by the table at the courtyard, sitting back while listening to the flowing water nearby.*

"Such a peaseful place, no? It is hard to find areas like this during these dark times. Sometimes I come here just to think, just to relax. I should be mad that you are trying to pry this area from my hands, but I am not.

"You wish to occupy Jiang Xia. I would like to avoid a military conflict between our nations while we secure this transaction. Lord Sun Ce has known for quite a long time that you have you eye on Jiang Xia, and has given me the right to trade it, as he wishes to avoid war with the Shu-Han. Yes, we are willing to give up Jiang Xia. But first I must ask you, what are you willing to give up? Make the right choice, Lord Xuande. You are a man known for many good reasons, if I were you, I'd try to remain that way. Wu has the Imperial Seal, the Mandate of Heaven. Defying them is a bad decision. Remain true to your people."

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei eyed the man, peering into his mind, and finding nothing the suited him. With a cold, stern look upon his face, and a voice to match it, he replied.

"Who really gives a damn about the Imperial Seal these days. I do not, and the simple idea of me bowing down to someone because they hold a little trinket defies my codes, and doing so will result in a hell like none other. I did not come here to steal or seize Jiang Xia from Wu. I came here to take it back, and the people, who trust me more than you could ever fathom, see it so. Whether I must hold wars or I must hold peace talks, I am here to restore an age of brilliance and to restore the true King, the true Emperor back to heavens, upon my back as the clouds themselves part for his arrival. If they will not scatter, then I will push right through them, and obliterate whatever hopes they have. Best you stay out of my way, for I seek the promise land, and nothing else. Whether your with me or not, do not get in my way, pain and suffering will come for your heads if you ever do."

[Sun Ce]

*Zhou showed a look of dissappointment in his eyes. A man he admired, Liu Bei, had shown he was not the man made out to be by rumors. Indeed, his people loved him, but it would seem he was imposing his views on those who did not love him. Those of Jiang Xia.*

"You threaten me, sir, when I seek peace. You're misguided views of the people shall lead to dark times for you, should you not correct it. Jiang Xia is not your city, nor are the people inside it unhappy. You are showing me a bad side of you. Your people love you for certain reasons, reasons I hope you shall not forsaken here in Jiang Xia. Now I ask you again, what are you willing to part with, as a transaction for my city?"

[Liu Bei]

"Ignorant pig, have I no rights to a city that was stolen from me? My oldest capital? Your people came to be, you hold hog. Maybe if you weren't such in incompetent ruler and you could truly offer something to the people, we might not be in this situation right now. Jiang Xia is but a step into the world, a step Shu will take firmly. You have but half a day to surrender the city. You may not leave this spot unless you are surrendering, otherwise you will be killed."

Says Liu Bei, as the men fight over the city, so far away from it..

[Sun Ce]

*Ci Zhou felt a cold wound through the words of Liu Bei. He was shaken, and upset. He brought up his hand, burying his face into the cup which he formed. After giving out a sigh, he lifted his eyes, meeting those of Liu Bei's. After a long, cold stare, he reached into his robe, feeling around. Concealed in his collar was a purple incrested dagger.*

"Oh fool, there is but no need to speak of war. I have been peaceful, I have offered you reasoning. They call you a hero, but never have I seen the people so far from the truth. You have a role to play in this world, Xuande, and you have established your role perfectly. But here, this day, you have destroyed your very reputation..."

*He took the dagger, a look of complete apathy on his face. And, through shining tears, he thrusted it into his own chest. With a cough, he gave out his dying words.*

"Today... I die... along with Liu Bei's virtue..."

*He rolled over, falling into the small pool of fresh, clear water. The blood floated around, creating a slight crimson swirl at first. In a matter of seconds, it turned into a coat of red, and quickly the clear water was entirely red, stained by the blood of the governor. Jiang Xia was forfeit, and open for Shu's men to take. But it was now clear that it was taken at a cost to Shu's ruler, whether he knew or not.*

[Liu Bei]

"Let the dead be sent to hell, as I have no use for them.. Bo Ru, we shall go back to Chang Sha soon, and prepare for war."

Liu Bei and Bo Ru leave.