Dynasties of Heaven(IC, APPLY FIRST!)(PG-13)

[Strala]

Nanjing, Kingdom of Jiangsu

The foundation of the vast city has already been finished. The streets were laid out and it was to build in the same fashion as the city of Erlitou was built in. The Royal domain had been finished. The noble domain and the domain of peace were in construction. Thousands of men were entering the capital to help construct the new capital. The construction crews were entirely made up of bandits, criminals, and prisoners of war. Those who didn't work quick enough were hit. It wasn't unusual for men to die where they stood. The bodies would soon be covered over with dirt and the construction would continue. This city would be the jewel of the south, after all, it wasn't named the southern capital for no reason.

Yet as chaotic the outer domains were, the royal domain was quiet. No one that wasn't under the employ of the king could even get close to the royal domain. It was always guarded by a detachment of honor guards. They were among the fiercest and bravest warriors from all over the domain. Their leader was always related in one way or another to the king.

Inside the Royal Palace, there were hundreds of men kowtowing as the king made his way to his throne. They only stopped when the king demanded them to rise. Among those that were there was the Duke of Suzhou. It amused the king for years earlier it was him that was kowtowing to the Duke's father.

"Speak, for the son of heaven will listen and respond" The King calmly spoke.

"Tianzi this lowly subject would like to ask you about what is to be done with the Xia Empire and the bandit hordes that striking it" spoke the Duke of Suzhou.

The mention of the Xia dynasty in the north caused silence to fall apon the throne room. None dared to speak as it was known that the Demon of Xia had recently toke a province in the Empire. Many spoke of his inhuman stature. They said that he was 235 cm tall and looked like a demon. Many had also said that he ate children and enslaved the wives of noblemen. Even this far south he was a feared and hated individual.

"What is there to worry about a bandit lord. In the end, he is a bandit and doesn't have the blessing of the heavens. It is clear that the heavens had long forsaken the Xia and it is time for a dynasty to rise. I the true son of heaven shall conquer the Xia and establish an Empire that will last 10,000 years."

"Love live the King!" May he live 10,000 years!" Was shouted over and over again.

"Ready your men, for the end of the Xia is near. I the son of heaven shall conquer the Xia and slay the foul demon."

[Flarbinia]

Xinzhou, Kingdom of Dai
"Tongrao Xuegang is marching north, but we must look to our own borders. We have repelled the Xia forces, but Si Hong, Governor of Guo, has allied himself with Soi Tang, Governor of Song. They will see their numbers swell, stripping us of advantage. We must defeat them before odds tip to imbalance, but we cannot leave our rear vulnerable to an assault." General Jin Fong said to Hou Jianhong and Hou Tsung as they looked over a map, pointing at the various territories. "It is settled, then. Jin Fong, you will conquer Cao, Mao, and Zuo. Hou Tsung, you will defend the Kingdom of Dai while I march south to crush the upstarts." Hou Jianhong said to his subordinates before he and General Jin Fong headed out of the palace to take command of the men they would be leading into battle.

As Hou Jianhong walked out of the palace, he saw the men building walls, the completion of which will make Xinzhou the first city in China to be protected by fortifications of stone instead of wood and packed earth. He continued walking towards the barracks, carts passing by as food was being brought in to ensure that, in the event that the city was surrounded, the people would still be fed. All cities within his kingdom were undergoing the same preparations, though some would take longer than others. Once he reached the barracks, he cleared his throat to speak.

"Mighty warriors of Dai, hear me out! Years ago, my father fought against the barbarian hordes that threatened all of China and contributed to their defeat, the cost being the death of my older brother, Jian. When I returned to this great land after my service on the empire's borders, I hunted down the bandits that killed Li Fang's son and butchered them like hogs, only granting merciful passage to their leader. I even sent the bandit leader's daughter to the emperor's court. Now, the Xia is collapsing and our neighbors are now our enemy. I will go to war again, but I will go as a conqueror. I only ask that you follow me on this campaign and share in the wealth we will take from the corpses of our enemies!" Hou Jianhong said to his army, the men shouting and cheering before getting into formation, their king heading south to crush his foes.

[Aeyariss]

ANNOUNCEMENT
Xia Dynasty control have been passed to me. It's no longer NPC yo.

Xia Dynasty

"Barbarians. We are surrounded by barbarians. Filthy, uncivilized... barbarians." The mood inside the command tent was grim. All over the sand map underneath them shows the Xia surrounded by enemies." Emperor Jie studied them, and felt a dark, choking lump inside his throat.

"Your Grace, we shall need to act fast or this will be the end of our dynasty." the Imperial Marshal Dong Zhao, the commander of the Imperial Army said.

"A Lord in the East named Song Jin had declared himself King and declared the Ju Dynasty.. My spies tells me they're planning to launch their military campaign against us soon." the Marshal pointed to the map using his sword.

"To our South East, the barbarians are advancing as well, our frontier guards were overrun. Refugees are fleeing. The local garrison are requesting our aid. Dai Kingdom had also invaded when they attacked our border forces.. Some soldiers in the frontier had deserted their posts."

"If I can't protect this country I shall lose my throne." Emperor Jie said to no one in particular. Never in his entire life he had felt such terror.

"Your Grace?"

"What is your advise?"

"Call up the commoners, draft them, mobilize them all. Begin training them, the young, the old. They will be like our professional Imperial soldiers, but we need more men. We shall need to rally the men as well. Stop them from retreating. We need to deal with this King Song Jin first."

"How many men do we have now?"

"The best? Give or take 200,000. But I shall need more. We have enough provision for more than that and prolonged campaign, the seasons had been good to us."

"Very do it."

---

An imperial edict was decreed, and was posted everywhere throughout the empire. Men were being mustered, food and other provision are being stock up, and warehouse were taken over by the imperial soldier for security, and guards were posted. Spies were deployed within and without. Meanwhile, the frontier areas being attacked had been evacuated, its provision stripped...the barbarians shall not reap anything from its earth. The walls of every cities were being repaired, fortified, strengthened.

Meanwhile, a force of 80,000 troops were assembled, and they began marching toward the so called Ju Dynasty. Lord General Song Zhen, the General of the Flying Banners commanded it. He advance in several long columns, but the formation consisted of; A scout squadron far ahead. An advance guard in the lead followed by the main body while two force of cavalry troops provide flank securities followed by the van and the rear guard comprising of mix cavalry and infantry.




"

[Farnhamia]

The Queen Mother of the West walked toward the rising sun, the snow-capped peaks that were the home of her sacred mountain far to the west towering into the sky. Some of that snow was melting now as the world warmed toward summer, the water filling the stream beds that for months now had been dry. Smiling at the sound of the trickling water, she reached into the bag over her shoulder for a peach. Taking a bite, she smiled as the juice ran down her chin. Recent crops had been increasingly juicy, thanks to her careful management and the suggestions from several of her handmaidens a few years back. Or was it decades? Sometimes she found the passage of earthly time slippery thing to keep a grip on. A little more walking and the Queen Mother turned aside to clamber up the slope from the road. She scooped a hole in the earth and tucked the peach stone into it. She filled in the hole and patted down the little mound, whispering a blessing. Waste not, want not, she thought.

The people in the last village she had passed thought she might come to the end of the mountains in a month. Of course, the man who told her that was very, very old and did not have a very sure grip on the details. He said that in his youth he had gone far to the east with his brothers at the summons of the great king Yu to help control the floods of the eastern rivers that yearly ravaged the lands. The Queen Mother had smiled at that, for she knew Yu the Great and he lived five or six hundred years ago. Still, there was always work to be done controlling the rivers, so it was quite possible the old man had been enticed by stories of the great project that saved the world.

A month of walking. Well, that was not so bad. The Queen Mother of the West enjoyed walking, always had. She could move herself over very large distances using her divine abilities but she disliked doing so, thinking it was showing off unless it was absolutely necessary. And it was tiring to do that, far more tiring than simply walking. She'd be there in due time, there was no hurry.

[Kowani]

Jin chuckled, and sat down.

The Game was intense, and fierce, Jin made some careless mistakes, and initially was more involved in discussing the pleasantries, but as the game got more difficult he quickly refocused and regained the advantage, his focus allowing him to soon be controlling the match, dominating his opponent and then wiping his field. He focused on the outer pieces first, and then worked his way in quickly, leaving a false opening so his opponent attacked and then found his entire area surrounded, and captured. His aggressive, intuitive, improvisational strategy was more refined than many would expect, as his defenses were surprisingly adequate enough to catch his foe off guard.

Jin always had loved Go. He played it often with anyone who was interested, though recently he had been too busy. so a match with this "Yin" was a welcome relief, even if it was a obvious mask to analyze Jin's strategic style. Regardless, Jin was happy to oblige.
After his victory, he smiled calmly and looked up at his opponent.

"You're pretty good. Usually I don't have to pay attention to beat my opponents. Your style is refined, yet opportunistic. I take it you're a merchant of some sort?" He says, an amused sparkle in his eye.

Yang grinned, his teeth showing for a moment before he tucked them back away. The game had been fun, even if he had lost. Well, that was fine. He hadn’t come all this way merely to play games, although the opportunity had made itself manifest. Men play the same way, whether the troops be stones on a board or soldiers of flesh and blood. He chuckled. “It would appear my mask has been revealed. I am a merchant, yes. And, I would like to believe, a good one. You almost certainly have already realized the reason for the game, so I will not waste time elaborating upon it.” He paused, bouncing a white stone between his hands. “You play well. But. Can you fight well? I think so. So I am here to make an…investment.”

[Flarbinia]

Outside Xinzhou, Dai
A messenger approached the king's camp, claiming to carry a message from Hou Jianhong's spies. He was brought to Hou Jianhong, the king's strategizing being interrupted by the messenger's arrival. "Noble king Hou Jianhong, ruler of Dai. I have received word from your agents. Xi Shan, Governor of Gao, has been overthrown by a thief named Hei Zhong. Tai Wushu, the general for the Governor of Xue, is searching for allies with which to retake the province from Guo." The messenger said to Hou Jianhong, the king stroking his beard before clearing his throat to speak. "Head to Xue and tell Tai Wushu that he will have Xue and Guo if he commits his charioteers to the battle with Si Hong and Soi Tang." Hou Jianhong replied, the messenger heading south as fast as his feet can carry him. If the messenger successfully delivered his terms, he will have gained an ally. If it was intercepted, Song Tai would send a contingent of his forces to crush Tai Wushu, the renowned chariot commander gaining a victory that would allow him to rally the people of Xue to his cause, forcing Si Fong to divert a significant portion of his army to quell the rebellion.

[Endem]

Army Camp Four Kilometers Away From Xindu ( Modern Day Xingtai )

"Sir, our patrols in the area keep not coming back" the officer in charge of the camp was aware of the situation "it couldn't be desertion, could it?" his loyal soldier replied "no sir, most of the soldiers sent on the patrols were performing their duties exceptionally well before" the officer became worried, his camp once numbered in 200 people, it was now a mere 50, how could it dwindle so much without any definitive cause, suddenly a loud thump interrupted his thoughts, evidently something struck the makeshift bamboo hut he was in right now, the officer and his soldier went outside to investigate to be greeted by a gruesome sight an arrow with tip went out of an open mouth, of, one of the officer soldiers, the head showed signs of decomposition, but before the officer could do anything more arrows with heads on them started to fly to the camp, then the bamboo palisade lit on fire and a panic erupted among the already demoralized soldiers, then a single man stepped through the fiery gate that was once the entrance to the camp then 2 more, and more, they began cutting his soldiers down left and right eventually only the officer was left, the man stepped before him and the officer collapsed "Please spare me" the man replied "No mercy for those that serve Xia" the man then took out a knife and plunged it into the chest of the officer "Demon! What demon are you!" The officer screamed "Not a demon, my name is Yao Zhin" the man then kicked the officer in the chin knocking him on the ground as his vision dimmed more and more...

Three Days Later

Two expeditions from the city of Xindu were devastated with no survivors left, thanks to much bigger forces of Zhin since he started marching here the disgruntled populous flocked to his side, the Xia grip on the land weakened and Zhin will soon be able to call himself a king, when the city of Xindu will be taken a sizeable portion of the northern sections of Xia territory will be under his rule, it is finally the time, spies were already installed in the city, it is time...

Two Days Later

"Clear night as always" said one of the soldiers in the tower on the city walls, some defenders were drafted into the force that will soon go and squash the so-called Ju Dynasty others disappeared mysteriously, it was weird that this happens but maybe they were just searching for the camp that also seemingly vanished. Screams pierced the quiet of the night, what was it, the two guards left their tower and to their horror before they could even see what was happening they saw a rotted head of, of, their dear friend and companion, someone who was like family to both of them, why, what. They couldn't ask those questions as arrows, so many arrows with heads on them, some rotting, some looking like they were just cut off what evil, what demon has done it, then the heads stopped flying, and arrows with texts on them started to fly, one of the guards picked it up and read the text "You can escape that fate, each soldier that will join me shall live, as a sign of your surrender bring me the head of your commander -Yao Zhin" the rebel from the frontier, it couldn't be, how did he muster enough forces to attack this city, the two guards knew one thing, they would protect their commander against the rebels.

Hour Later

Panic and chaos on the walls and in the city was just spectacular, Zhin told his soldiers to don't plunder anything, they can only loot from dead Xia soldiers and Xia officials and their properties but not from common man, it was just matter of time until his spies and deserting soldiers will hand him control of the city and he will become a king, just a little more...

Two Hours Later

More bodies were constantly flying from the walls as brother slain brother and father fought son, it was yet unknown who was winning but on some parts of the walls ladders for Zhin soldiers were put and Zhin's men were already in the city

Dawn

The fighting seemed to stop as the governor of the city and the commander of the guards were slain and their bodies exposed laid on the walls, the city was Zhin's and his forces grew, Zhin meanwhile has gone to the central buildings balcony and messengers of his dispersed throughout the city that a few hours prior were under Xia, now everybody in the city and soon in the rest of the small country Zhin carved himself knew the following message "I, Yao Zhin, crown myself a king and declare the Yao Dynasty, war on the Xia Dynasty is simultaneously declared, everybody that wishes to take down the emperor should join my armies, Death to the Xia!" Zhin was finally a king, and his personal army now numbered more than he would imagine, 4 thousand people willing to give their lives to his cause, it was simply, fantastic

[Kowani]

A burst of hearty laughter erupted from Jin, and his chest contracted and expanded. After two to three seconds, he spoke.
"Of course my friend. If you don't believe our troops are prepared then perhaps you need some...displays." He grinned widely, teeth showing. His smile vanished however, as he leaned in further. "What would you supply? 30,000 more troops, and supplies would be very welcome. I also advise you to not flee at the first sign of trouble, we are better than you think."

Yang raised an eyebrow, for now they were in his territory. Pulling out a brush and parchment, he set them on the table. His handwriting was minuscule but neat, each stroke as rapid as his speech. “If It were to be 30,000, along with armor, weapons and foodstuffs for each of them, as well as the cost of transport… lost revenue from the roads being used, compensating the families, bribing customs officials (note to self, get better customs officials), paperwork fees, animals, processing fees, arrows… This will be a highly expensive transaction, I am afraid. I would not want to bankrupt your Dynasty before it began. So, I shall accept…mixed payment.”

[Kowani]

Yang raised an eyebrow, for now they were in his territory. Pulling out a brush and parchment, he set them on the table. His handwriting was minuscule but neat, each stroke as rapid as his speech. “If It were to be 30,000, along with armor, weapons and foodstuffs for each of them, as well as the cost of transport… lost revenue from the roads being used, compensating the families, bribing customs officials (note to self, get better customs officials), paperwork fees, animals, processing fees, arrows… This will be a highly expensive transaction, I am afraid. I would not want to bankrupt your Dynasty before it began. So, I shall accept…mixed payment.”

Jin's eyes gleamed with a brilliant glow. He had a fairly sharp mind and was ready to put it to use.
"Mixed payment? Alright then, I offer you a deal: You can be Finance Minister, and be Duke of Lai once I become King. What else do you need?"

He offered him that, knowing that it may be rejected. However, it was intended to cement him influence, and grant him a seductive offer. He intended to follow through, but such an offer would be irresistible, reduce pressure for payment, and cement Yin's desire to stay through dark times. Even the most self-serving men would want to see their investments come to fruition, and Jin had no doubt he could deliver, and secure Ju's ascendancy in this conflict.

Yang stopped writing for a second, surprised at the grandiose deal, before regaining his composure. He smiled, although this one was almost genuine. “What do I want with a Dukedom? No, you can keep that for someone who truly wants it. But. I do have a request for information. You see, I am a man who prides himself on knowing everything. It is a weapon for me, more powerful than any blade. Yet your rebellion escaped all of my information networks. How did you do that? Tell me this, and I will be a finance minister to make your coffers overflow.”

[Aeyariss]

General Song Zhen

The army marched unimpeded toward Ju and its capital province in Shangdong. They were under orders to slaughter everyone who resisted, and to leave alone those commoner - women and children. The troops however seized all the wheat and granaries, bronze, copper, and of course gold, from the warehouses they encountered along their axis of advance toward the Ju. Scouts reported back regularly, keeping the commander with situational awareness. Meanwhile, they draft those able bodied men who did not pledge their allegiance to the new Ju King. And the army numbers grew...

-snip-

General Liu Bang
The loss of Xindu was tragic. But Xia Dynasty is not a power that can be taken lightly. Imperial Marshal Dong Zhao ordered another force numbered 90,000 strong to march to retake the city, With a fresh troop numbered around 150,000 and rising, they'll defend the capital and act as reserve while they train. Meanwhile all throughout the untouched province in the empire, refugees are given land to work with so as the food production can be increase. These will be necessary in the long run.

[Strala]

Northern Jiangsu
The streets and nearby area were surrounded by people watching the imperial forces marching the gates of the city. While not at full force the force that the king had gathered here was still a stagger 70,000 men consisting of mainly heavy infantry. At the head of the forces were the king and his two younger brothers each tasked with a token force of 5,000. There had been rumors of the Xia Emperor finally mobilizing his forces, and the king had decided that the time to attack was now. The Xia was rotting but they still had a much larger army than what his kingdom could muster together. There would be no mercy spared upon the false emperor and his army. Those who surrendered would be given quarters but the rest would be killed or enslaved. At the beating of the drums, the force of 70,000 began to move north. The true son of heaven would finally meet his people.

[Kowani]

Jin smiled, not his sly smile before, but a genuine, good-natured one.
"Simple. We had people genuinely believe in our cause. Our cause is Just, and our cause is for the people. I have no doubt that while we are small, and our city likely being taken early, that we will emerge victorious. We have already developed contingencies for such a matter. Brutality or false Benevolence, whatever the Xia King does will not work."

He takes a deep breath, and stares in the distance. After a second, he speaks again.

"I was born a peasant. But I have been fortunate enough to become well-educated and prepared. It is my firm belief, that the Xia is not the last Dynasty that will have risen and then be overthrown, nor is mine. I believe, that in due time, my descendants will grow corrupt. However, that is by no means reason to not establish my Dynasty. I believe that the best people, no matter their origin story, must in time rise up and overthrow a corrupt, tyrannical dynasty, for the favor of heaven, at least in my view, goes to whoever can do the most good for the people."
He turned back to Yin. His expression softened.
"However, at this time, I believe a centralized yet feudal system is best. I am fully aware that it will collapse in due time. Unlike others however, I fully believe far in the future, there will be vast changes in how we do things and live we cannot even imagine today. Ways to look into the past for example."

He chuckled.
"Unfortunately, we will be distorted and turned into Stories by then, they won't accurately record us. I am no brilliant man, just a far-sighted and caring one, who is ready to fight for his views and his people until death. I don't believe in these...Gods, in the sense most do. However they do exist, and I will honor them, I'll simply speculate they are not what we think they are. However, it is my view that they are part of nature, and that we will find out they are not Gods in say, five thousand years?"

He shook his head.
"Ah, I ramble. forgive me. I hope though this gave you an acceptable answer."

Yang stopped writing, shocked by the sheer audacity of the man’s plan. He was not any ordinary upstart rebel, no. He was a visionary. It was as if he was staring into a golden moment in time, one of those that only came once and would be lost again if you so much as blinked. It was binding, overpowering. It was like a river, that would run no matter what one did, it’s energy boundless, rushing on to some great unknown sea. Folly to oppose it. Impossible to raise a word in objection. Yang smiled now, the first genuine one he’d worn with anyone outside of his own family. “It would be a…shame, not to contribute to this enterprise. Very well, then, Lord Jin. You have me convinced. The Golden Spider’s web shall be bent in your favor, and the ears of the Master of Whispers kept to the ground, listening for your name among the undercurrents of your enemies.”

[Kowani]

Jin beamed, smiling genuinely with great pleasure.
"It is a great honor. Your title will be etched into our tales, assuming we win. It is a small honor." His expression turned serious. "The Xia will surely march to annihilate us, however. Their army is far bigger than ours. We will not be able to win in the open field. I request your aid. They will try to intimidate, be brutal to those who oppose and resist them, be falsely benevolent, trick, torture, or all of those at once. I request your aid to spin a web that will bring them down. Hopefully..."
He looked outside wistfully.
"Protect our people too, if not at least ensure our rebellion does not collapse if the city is taken and they resort to brutal methods or trickery, or false benevolence, or bribery to spill our plan."

Yang’s face turned grave as he closed his eyes, thinking back onto what his information networks had managed to pick up before he had left. It was time to work. Finally, they popped open. “Roads are first thing. We will block the roads with trees and take shovels to the fields, digging small holes, making their chariots useless. Rivers along the way must be diverted, so that they may not refresh their thirst nor water their men. I will need to get a message out to my Weaponry Branch-we cannot refuse to sell, but we can only sell weapons and armor of poor quality. Depending on how many peasants we have working the roads, we can drop their travel time by weeks, more if we destroy bridges. If we do, desertions will skyrocket and the Emperor will grow inpatient. …I believe I am going to have to write many letters. When they get here, I want their force to be bedraggled and demoralized. I doubt even my coffers would be able to get bandits to charge into their camp...but perhaps arrows can be launched from a safe distance at the army as it moves.”

“In regards to the city, I will need a map, straw, and many banners. We are going to create a phantom army.”

[Kowani]

Jin cackled, not evilly, but in glee. He had found himself quite the shrewd man. He had expected some supplies and troops, but not such a detailed psychological warfare tactic. He quite liked this man. His capabilities were exceeding his expectations, and he could prove most useful. The Golden Spider indeed, He thought.
He got up.
"Very well." He boomed. "We will be prepared, and drill our forces. They will be undermined and crushed. We will not let them fall. Our city will be informed of what to do in case we decide to withdraw. They shall be prepared for the worst brutality or the most benevolent of false benevolence. Trickery will be fruitless against their iron wills. They will die for the cause, and they will not be deceived into thinking a false friend is a friend to the cause. For we have ways to ensure this. This will be a long and bloody war, but in it, we shall win."

He cut his hand, a small temporary cut, but one where blood flew freely from it.

"As for you, I request your eternal loyalty and friendship. Cut your hand, and shake my hand, it will mix our blood, and we shall be one, as brothers. Your family will receive my protection, yet high expectations. They will not be given everything, instead, they will work for everything they make. For that is your profession, and I shall honor it so your family stays strong."

He held out his hand.

"It is time. The Green Dragon rises, the drunken dragon falls. A new era!"

Yang drew his knife, a ceremonial piece of stone. Long and heavy, it was mostly for show. And of course, educating particularly reticent competitors. But it would seem that those days were over, at least for now. He slashed at his palm, the blade breaking the skin so smoothly, it split like water before the prow of a boat. He looked up at the man, no, the brother, who would bring about a new era. “It would appear that we both have work to do. Let us begin it,brother.” And with those words, he swung up is arm, clasping Jin’s hand in his own, letting the blood flow between them.

[Aeyariss]

EMPEROR JIE DIES AND DONG ZHAO USURPED THE THRONE;
XIA DYNASTY FADES AND THE HOUSE OF CHU BEGINS ITS RISE

Shangdong Rebel Province

In any war, speed is the key to early victory. The bulk of the imperial forces are not like the frontier garrison who were of low quality. These were professional soldiers; highly trained; best equipped and best led.

Ju Dynasty had committed high treason when they decided to break off from the Xia and therefore they must be punished. However, General of Flying Banners, Lord Song had received urgent command from the capital (meaning from the Imperial Marshal himself); his campaign will not be a protracted one and he is to end the Ju Dynasty with one swift yet extremely deadly blow, and bring back the head of the so called King of Ju back to the capital - on a pike.

The bulk of his forces made quick march toward the enemy cities; covering hundreds of li in matters of weeks; while a light cavalry screen their flanks and lines far ahead - sometimes hundreds of miles forward - to avoid enemies ambushes and to identify enemies position - so far their advance encountered nothing and they marched unimpeded. That will change in the future; the general told himself.

Villages and towns that resist their march were to be razed to the ground; all of its male inhabitant put to the sword and their severed heads lined up as a warning to other while their bodies burn along with the traitors. Those that surrendered and returned to the fold were allowed to live. While pockets of small rear guards were left to maintain the communication lines to Henan, where the capital of Xia resides.

It wasn't a pretty sight. But this is war.

***

Meanwhile in the capital...

Emperor Jie had grown mentally unstable over the weeks, his anxiety gotten worse, he loss all appetite and he began hallucinating. The military command began to lose patient over his indecision for everything that needed his approval he kept on delaying, and never seemed to listen to his advisors.

One night, he saw a figure of a woman in Red.

It was Mo Xi! The woman he once loved. The woman he had executed.

Jie became so terrified when she whispered to him;' "You will join me in hell." so he ran out from his chambers, to an alarmed eunuch and palace servants. They failed to calm him down, and he came down with a heavy fever.

Jie - the last emperor of the Xia Dynasty - breathe his last; and his dynasty is no more...

Imperial Marshal Dong Zhao, who was inspecting troops training, was recalled to the palace. The late Emperor was already laid in his coffin at the center of the throne chambers; all the officials were wailing and wearing whites.

"The Emperor is dead and we've got no heir to replace him! Xia Dynasty is lost!" one of the elder eunuch cried.

Dong Zhao took one glance to the throne, and started to walk toward it. Everyone turned toward him and watched in disbelief as Dong Zhao ascended the golden steps, and sat on the throne.

"I hereby appoint my self Emperor. This throne is mine. Any objections?" All the palace entrance were opened wide, and Dong Zhao soldiers - his trusted followers - entered in full battle armor. Scared shitless, none seemed dared to object.

"Man sui, man sui, man man sui." His commanders declared.

And thus Dong Zhao usurped the throne, and became the first Emperor of the new Chu dynasty.

He decreed that the late King Jie be buried in full honors; and to pacify the new Empire he ordered that warehouse be opened and rice be distributed to the populations.

The imperial forces rejoiced when they heard that their leader that somehow managed to become the new king, replacing the old useless King.

Troops morale is at 100 percent.

Dong Zhao cemented his grips on power by purging all the older officials he deemed corrupt.

"Xia had become weak because of you lot! Your greed and indifference for the empire had cause our barbarian neighbors to rise against us. I hereby put you and your entire family to dead!" Emperor Dong commanded. With the central government cleaned up, Dong Zhao replaced them with able honest and trusted allies of him from all corner of the Empire.

"We are going to save the Empire from all this barbarian threats."

***

Shangdong Province

General Song Zhen couldn't stopped laughing when he heard of the sudden development coming from the capital. The old weak Emperor Jie is dead, and his old friend is the new one. Heaven sure has a funny way of working. But nevertheless, it was a welcomed one. He halted his advance, briefly, conferred to the men about the new development - they too were shocked, but soon turn elated when they heard the news of Lord Dong Zhao ascension to the throne.The army hold a simple ceremony to honor the fallen Emperor and the rise of a new, and then continued their march to destroy the traitors in Ju.

Chu Dynasty

Emperor Dong Zhao

The new Emperor realized that he cannot win if he has to fight on every front. His options were limited; but being the center of power in the land, he knew that his resources are so much more bigger compared to his other rivals. He simply had to bide time, trade land for it if necessary and to make all the sacrifice required. - including entering into diplomacy with the people he considered barbarians, and began drafting letters to his neighboring powers.

[Aeyariss]

First, the Emperor decided to write to the former Lord Governor of Shangdong, now who had claimed his own throne and set up as the Ju Dynasty. To him he wrote:

-snip-

My old friend,

As you might be aware, the late Emperor Jie had sent out an expedition forces to punish you. I understand that you hated our old weak but cruel Emperor. But Xia Dynasty is no more, and I have become the new Emperor, as such I see no reason why my forces should lay waste to your province while we can still negotiate while a barbarian horde lay waste to the people of Han. I implore you to come to your senses and stop all this meaningless quarrel between the Han people and remained united. I shall call off the invasion force if you reciprocate, and we shall discuss terms for peace. It is still not too late. I invite you to return to the capital to meet me personally.

Signed,
Emperor Dong Zhao

(Lord General Song Zhen when he received a copy of this letter and his new order didn't like it much. Bur both him and the new king in Ju came from the Song family, perhaps he can utilize blood relations.)

The Emperor also wrote one to the Dal Kingdom. They were not part of Xin, but they were related to the Han people and faced threats from other barbarians as well.

-snip-

Your Majesty,

Our two great nation had fought one another in the past, and had shown bravery and honor in the fields of battle, and I had come to admire your people because of that. I wish to tell you that Xia Dynasty has come to an end, and sadly without any heir the throne had passed to my responsibility.

Our two nation faces barbarian threat, with hordes rampaging across the land, it is better that we seek common goal in preserving our states and pursue common interests. I seek to bring balance and law and order back to these realm. And invite the Kingdom of Dal to become our friends and to share the prosperity that this land may offer.

Emperor Dong Zhao,
House of Chu

[Flarbinia]

Southern Dai
Hou Jianhong and his warriors attacked Soi Tang's Camp, having used a goat path the king had known since childhood to avoid being spotted by enemy scouts and spies while all eyes were focused on the main portion of his army under the command of Captain Zheng. He and his men waited in the bushes until dusk, when the enemy guards would be either heading back to their tent or heading to their posts. He and his men struck like lightning, cutting down guards and burning down tents, creating confusion among the enemy ranks. Seeing the fire and smoke, the Dai Army charged across the battlefield, slamming into the enemy's unprepared camp, overwhelming their defenses and slaughtering every man that wore Soi Tang's color. Soi Tang attempted to rally his men, only to find himself parrying Hou Jianhong's blow. The two leaders clashed until dawn, Hou Jianhong decapitating Soi Tang with a well-timed blow, the surviving enemy warriors fleeing back to their homeland as his men looted the camp of any valuables.

[Danceria]

-ever in the shadow of the Snip-

Ju Royal Court, Langye

---

Cynicism flowed in the mind of the acrobat, as he lingered behind the newly self christened "Green Dragon". He did not share his man's optimism, nor would he until he saw results. Thankfully, he had a low enough profile to hightail it if and when things went wrong. He trusted this "Golden Spider" as far as he could throw a cow, which was, in spite of his lean and muscled build, wasn't very far. But right now, he was probably going to summon a phantom army of dummies.

The old drunken emperor died, which was good news, but a ruthless head-chopping general stepped up to the place.

[Kowani]

Ju Royal Court, Langye
The arrival of the letter sparked fierce debate among the advisers and Jin. The court was divided on the action to take, and Jin himself was conflicted. On one hand there were great risks of fighting a huge army, on the other, surrender would certainly take away any momentum he might have and could cost him the victory he sought.

In fact, the court was so divided that the Ministers and Generals were themselves divided, with half of each wanting to fight, and the other wanting to pursue the negotiations or surrender, arguing it would be beneficial. Their loyalty nor cowardice was not in question, not Jin knew that much.

This is a tough decision, it is the make or break moment for my new Kingdom...And for it to happen immediately after it was founded... Jin was at the long end of the table, with his assigned chair. The generals and ministers were sat across from one each other, and the debate was all over the place, often people could not hear the others. Jin himself, was silent. If Chu had wanted to divide his Kingdom, they might have succeeded.

Might.

He rose up and banged his fist on the table, spilling black ink on top of some thankfully blank oracle bones.
"ENOUGH!" He roared, with the advisers and generals as well as ministers falling silent. The debate had gone one for two hours. Two, whole, hours. Jin's head was throbbing. The debate had been intended to have gone far more smoothly, instead, it had descended into madness. Utter, madness. He shook his head.

"I have heard and understood all your points of view. This debate will get no more answers. Therefore, it has become obvious, for sake of unity, a decision has to be made. War would be a great risk. Unilateral surrender would be folly. You both have raised equally valid points."

He had his scribe massage his temples for a moment before continuing.

"Yet, none of you seem to understand the reality of the situation. The enemy is at our doorstep, and we cannot waste our time fighting amongst ourselves. You should all be ashamed for letting the debate descend into such disorder, as it shows to our enemies we can be divided as well as united, and leaves our kingdom at risk of fracturing."

His words rung true in the air. Many Ministers, Generals, and Advisers drooped their heads. They had gotten carried away. So focused on making their point they had been willing to waste valuable time. Without his intervention, they realized, grudges and divisions could have occurred.

He continued.

"It is obvious that neither of these options alone benefits us. Therefore, we will attempt to arrange Diplomacy on neutral ground, where we are protected from betrayal. And...I know who will be the oerfect envoy."

He turned to his new brother, Yin.
"Would you accept this great honor, and swear to protect our kingdom to the death? We will of course try to arrange for your safety and ensure adequate protection, but they may have tricks. You have these goals: Buy our Kingdom time, stall them, do as we discussed would be beneficial and more if you can, and try to suss out any hidden plots they have. Give us the most beneficial deal. I trust you will not be bribed."

He hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and hugged him, a shocking display of affection and trust in his new Minister. He then stepped back and held him at arm's length, touching his shoulder gently.
"I have faith in you. If they bribe you, I will match and exceed that bribe, if you are seduced by it. But do not tell them that, no matter the circumstances. Proceed with absolute secrecy, and make sure they don't find out your identity. If they do, try to make them not want to exploit it. I have faith you will remain loyal to us. I will stay here, preparing our forces for the war, and I hope our plan we discussed earlier will come to fruition."

Yang smiled, looking at his brother with admiration. To direct such an enterprise with nothing but the respect of his men and his own integrity…It was a talent he would never have. This court life was unknown to him, the constant arguing and fighting. It was a far cry from commercial guilds that he knew, where a reticent member would soon find themselves bankrupt. It reminded him almost of the seedy underground criminal elements that he had brought to heel-although, in a very different way than this. With a twinkle in his eye, he spoke. “Bribe me? Brother, I am the one who bribes people. Unless he brought with him the entire Imperial Treasury, I suspect that we shall be fine. Yet I will go, and obscure their path in a labyrinth of paperwork and words.” He paused, his expression turning grave, as we contemplated the huge task ahead of him. “Yet it shall be Done.”

[Kowani]

Yang. A man of many masks and many names. It was time to drop that mask-he was to become Yin. He sat in a temple, meditating. Often, he had done this when he was to embark upon a grand undertaking. This was to be perhaps his greatest. This was about more than coins or spices. No, this was about brotherhood-and about history. His loyal bodyguard, Bakhman stood behind him, watching over the scene with a careful eye. A moment in time of sheer tranquility, disturbed only by the wind. Yang stood. He turned to Bakhman, slowly walking to him. “I believe, old friend, that we are beyond the point of no return. This is not my element, nor yours. Yet we shall rise to meet it nonetheless.”

---

The Gates Of South Shangdong
Yin and his baggage train, the very same one he had entered the city with. His clothes were not extravagant robes, nor those of a merchant-no, they were those of a peasant. But his baggage train did not hold the supplies they had when they first left, no. They carried instruments of sabotage. Shovels and axes, sleeping supplies, things with which to make fire, instruments and metal, poisons and ropes.

---

In some areas, they cut down the trees, dragging them onto the road, and tying them down. In others, they came about and burned fields, poisoning the water. In others, they left traps-potholes covered by fake earth, loose rocks above the roads, spikes set along the roads. They cut down bridges behind them. Many of them knew it was almost certainly a suicide mission, but they did not care. In one place, Yin personally directed the redirecting of a river, something he swore never to try again.


And as they went along, they advanced towards the Zhao army, coming ever closer.

[Flarbinia]

Xinzhou
Hou Jianhong's army entered the capital of Dai, the people cheering as their king returned with the heads of Soi Tang and Si Fong, Tai Wushu standing by his side as the chariots moved through the streets ahead of the men on foot, treasure and slaves being carted behind his army. Singers and storytellers put on a performance for the people as the warriors of Dai moved further towards the palace, King Hou Jianhong waving to the crowd. However, once he arrived at the palace, he saw his brother Hou Tsung, his wife Tsao Ming, his son Hou Quan, and the thief Hei Zhong standing at the entrance. "Noble King Hou of Dai. I, Hei Zhong, The Thief That Stole Gao, has heard of your great victories over Soi Tang and Si Fong. If it were not for the bravery, guile, and cunning of the warriors of Dai, Gao would have been conquered. For this righteous deed, the only way I can repay you is to fight under your glorious banner." Hei Zhong said to Hou Jianhong as he bent the knee, the king motioning for him to rise.

[Flarbinia]

Hou Jianhong's Palace. Xinzhou
Three weeks after the celebration, Hou Jianhong entered the room, Tai Wushu and Hei Zhong sitting standing near a map. "You have arrived, my king. With Soi Tang and Si Fong no more than heads on a pole, we must look at the threats beyond our borders. The Chu Dynasty, though still solidifying its power, outnumbers us. You may be able to gain victory against The Usurper's armies, but they will not be victories you can use. You have two options: become the Usurper's tributary and continue to be the South's pawns as the previous rulers of Dai have been for generations or find allies while your victories are still fresh in the minds of the people." Tai Wushu said to Hou Jianhong as they looked at the map of China. "I have received The Usurper's message and his messenger will tell him that the people of Dai will no longer suffer and die for men who surround themselves with luxury and parasites. Hei Zhong, you will send an envoy to this "Zhin" I have heard about. Tai Wushu, send a messenger to the Ju Dynasty. If we must war with the capital, we will not face it alone." Hou Jianhong said to Tai Wushu and Hei Zhong before heading to greet General Jin Fong.

[Aeyariss]

Dear Emperor of "Chu",
I have sent my delegate to negotiate on neutral ground. He has power to act unilaterally unless I veto after he reports his choices to me, for which we will again enter negotiations. We are dedicated to peace and prosperity, and welcome your overthrow of the cruel and weak Emperor. However, we do not desire to be completely subserviant, at this time, so we will prepare for conflict just in case you attack us during negotiations, as we desire a mutually beneficial deal. This letter is to be published and be widespread across the Land, and not just my own lands under my current control.
We look forward to mutually beneficial negotiations.
Your Friend,
Song Jin, lord of Ju

Emperor Dong Zhao received the letter from the King of Ju, and penned another letter.

Greeting Friends and King of Ju,

For thousands of years our people - the Han - had been threatened by barbarians who seeks to undermine and enslaves us. Internal quarrels between fellow brothers and sister will only benefits them. As you have known, our last Emperor is a cruel man who neither cares of the people - but you and I are not. Precisely the reason why we did what we did.

Now I offer you a chance to make a difference for the people and Chu friendship for the Ju.

I shall halt military operations against your kingdom; in return you shall halt military operations against us and we all can let go of whatever misunderstanding. The orders to march against you was made by the late Emperor; but he is dead; I see no reason to destroy your people while barbarians hordes are massing outside our borders.

You seek peace, I seek peace as well. You and I shares a common interest. Barbarians kingdom are both a threat to our people and survival. I invited the Ju Kingdom to return to the fold as to maintain the integrity of the Kingdom of Heaven.

These shall be my terms and gestures of peace and good will;

1. I shall recognize your House as the rightful ruler of Shangdong; and your ascension as the King of Ju; and you shall recognize Chu as your new Sovereign; and your Emperor. Ju Kingdom. will have autonomy in administration unless nationwide policies is enforced by the central imperial government.

2. Central government shall continue to provide military protection for the Ju Province. In exchange, Ju will support Chu in its military campaign, to provide men when called up by the central imperial government, and will cease relations with enemies of the Chu Dynasty.

3. I shall appoint you a Minister of State, which portfolio to be decided upon later time, and you shall have a post and residencies in the capital as with the other Lords.

4. All other previous arrangement shall continue as it is; Ju shall continue to pay taxes and send tributes to the central imperial government; however, this I shall let you decide depending on the performance of the harvest and economic state in your state.

(Signed with Imperial Seal)
Emperor Dong Zhao

[Endem]

Hou Jianhong's Palace. Xinzhou
Three weeks after the celebration, Hou Jianhong entered the room, Tai Wushu and Hei Zhong sitting standing near a map. "You have arrived, my king. With Soi Tang and Si Fong no more than heads on a pole, we must look at the threats beyond our borders. The Chu Dynasty, though still solidifying its power, outnumbers us. You may be able to gain victory against The Usurper's armies, they will not be victories you can use. You have two options: become the Usurper's tributary and continue to be the South's pawns as the previous rulers of Dai have been for generations or find allies while your victories are still fresh in the minds of the people." Tai Wushu said to Hou Jianhong as they looked at the map of China. "I have received The Usurper's message and his messenger will tell him that the people of Dai will no longer suffer and die for men who surround themselves with luxury and parasites. Hei Zhong, you will send an envoy to this "Zhin" I have heard about. Tai Wushu, send a messenger to the Ju Dynasty. If we must war with the capital, we will not face it alone." Hou Jianhong said to Tai Wushu and Hei Zhong before heading to greet General Jin Fong.

When the envoy was traversing the places under Zhin's control ( which was not that much, roughly a few kilometers away from Xindu ) he would see Xia soldiers and Xia officials hung, or their decapitated bodies just lying on the side of the road, some were impaled, and some died too gruesome deaths to say about them, eventually he reached Xindu, which Zhin made his capital and where Zhin declared himself king and established Yao Dynasty, eventually he reached building in which Zhin resided, there he was said to wait for him, eventually he was lead to a secluded room, in the room Zhin was waiting for him, two guards were standing on both sides of the door, Zhin had a knife in his hand "What is it? Who you represent and what message you bring here?" he said

[Flarbinia]

"We have a common enemy. The Xia are gone, overthrown by a power hungry tyrant. If left unchecked, all of China will be under The Usurper's terrible yoke. Hou Jianhong has rallied the warriors of Dai, Gao, and Xue to his banner, but while this army can defeat the Usurper's Army in battle, my king cannot fight this war alone. He desires an alliance against The Usurper, all mighty Zhin. Assist us in overthrowing Dong Zhao and you will receive the most profitable of Xia's former holdings to rule as you see fit." Ming Tao said to Zhin, the envoy having perfected the art of negotiation during the reign of Li Fang, often spending weeks in the Imperial court at the behest of the recently deceased governor.