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

[Aeyariss]

ZHOU ZHANG

---

"I will kill the demon."

Zhou Zhang said, loud enough for everyone to hear. Everyone in the gathering were starring at the young man, who now stood before the village head and the shaman woman.

"Zhang, I know you are very brave and strong but this isn't like hunting wild hogs that destroyed our plantation. Didn't you heard a word that the Shaman said? She says a demon caused this! So how can a mortal defeat and kill a demon? Don't be foolish! You need to continue your family line, if you die who shall pray for your ancestors and lineage? They'll be cursed in the afterlife! Don't go!" some of the elder protested.

Zhang simply nodded then turned to the Shaman.

"Can it be done?"

"Ohh, hard to say, who knows? Killing a demon isn't an easy thing to do... but I read something different about you from these bones."

"Does it says that I'll succeed?"

"No, but -"

"Does it says that I'll die?"

"No...well, not really."

"Old woman, you're not being helpful all. You are the Oracle!"

"Bone reading isn't an exact science, young man - but it does says you are blessed."

"Then that shall be enough. Everyone, I will rode out and find and kill that foul beast." he said to the gathering, sounding calm, not betraying any hint of emotion.

The mob leader who wanted to make human sacrifice spoke.

"If you lose, you'll be dead, and the demon will only be angered... it might come for everyone here!"

"Well, in that case I will be dead...and it will be your problem." Zhang smiled, glancing at Xi Ci. Their gazes locked with one another for a moment.

"Which in that case, do what ever you want, you can kill her after that." Her eyes went wide in disbelief hearing him.

"Zhang! You - "

"I won't let anything happen to you." He says.

"Well, then, I shall need to borrow good armor and steel. Would anyone willing to loan me their weapons?"

"My son served in the Imperial Army, his old armor is still with us... perhaps you'll do us the honor." the village head says.

"I shall take it, uncle."

"You can borrow my family spears. It's very old. But it's made from good steel."

"Thank you."

"You can have my bows and arrow."

"Thank you, friend. If I don't come back in three days, know that I am defeated and gone. You all should run away to somewhere safe."

Zhang gathered the equipment, and rode out a mare.

Next, he will face the demon. What fate awaits for him?

[Endem]

"Well, as far as supplies go, we have some farmers in the region who support us, and we have enough weapons right now to supply additional 50 soldiers on our own, but, we could always use some bronze, what is the price, there is obviously a price"

“Farmers to feed an army? Plan on being besieged? No matter. Your campaign, your rules. But let’s talk price. Simple price, really. When you set this country aflame, don’t burn the spiderwebs.”

"Do you think I'm a fool, I of course plan for any potential siege of ours!" Zhin shouted, the emissary was doing a poor job at his work as Zhin was being less likely to accept his offer with every sentence that spewed from the man's mouth "if you plan on insultinggg me, you can already be taken away from this camp by my men, anyway, by spider webs what do you mean, the widespread corruption, some spies, the Xia officials?"

[Kowani]

“Farmers to feed an army? Plan on being besieged? No matter. Your campaign, your rules. But let’s talk price. Simple price, really. When you set this country aflame, don’t burn the spiderwebs.”

"Do you think I'm a fool, I of course plan for any potential siege of ours!" Zhin shouted, the emissary was doing a poor job at his work as Zhin was being less likely to accept his offer with every sentence that spewed from the man's mouth "if you plan on insultinggg me, you can already be taken away from this camp by my men, anyway, by spider webs what do you mean, the widespread corruption, some spies, the Xia officials?"

“Not what I mean. Of course you plan for it. I come to make sure you don’t have to. Said earlier, Master of Whispers. He whispers in the right ears, we keep the Xia eyes off you, while you prepare, see? Would not want you to get crushed before you even begin.” “Spiderwebs…we have several networks in place. It would be inconvenient if you were to break them.”

[Endem]

"Do you think I'm a fool, I of course plan for any potential siege of ours!" Zhin shouted, the emissary was doing a poor job at his work as Zhin was being less likely to accept his offer with every sentence that spewed from the man's mouth "if you plan on insultinggg me, you can already be taken away from this camp by my men, anyway, by spider webs what do you mean, the widespread corruption, some spies, the Xia officials?"

“Not what I mean. Of course you plan for it. I come to make sure you don’t have to. Said earlier, Master of Whispers. He whispers in the right ears, we keep the Xia eyes off you, while you prepare, see? Would not want you to get crushed before you even begin.” “Spiderwebs…we have several networks in place. It would be inconvenient if you were to break them.”

"Just tell me who not to kill and what buildings not to burn and we should be set" Zhin then added "I can guarantee safety for everyone you now list except those in the capital"

[Kowani]

“Not what I mean. Of course you plan for it. I come to make sure you don’t have to. Said earlier, Master of Whispers. He whispers in the right ears, we keep the Xia eyes off you, while you prepare, see? Would not want you to get crushed before you even begin.” “Spiderwebs…we have several networks in place. It would be inconvenient if you were to break them.”

"Just tell me who not to kill and what buildings not to burn and we should be set" Zhin then added "I can guarantee safety for everyone you now list except those in the capital"

“No need. Can’t reveal networks. Bad policy. But there is a way to tell, see? Look for the Spider on the Wall.

[Endem]

"Just tell me who not to kill and what buildings not to burn and we should be set" Zhin then added "I can guarantee safety for everyone you now list except those in the capital"

“No need. Can’t reveal networks. Bad policy. But there is a way to tell, see? Look for the Spider on the Wall.

"Okay, I belive we have nothing more to discuss, whenever a shipment arrives leave it in an abandoned house marked with 歪再得 on the door frame in Xuantou, south of the place my men found you by a about an gour of walk, it's a abandoned village" he then added "my men will escort you out of the camp"

[Ralnis]

Drunken Lao, Wang Province

A random town, an insignificant one but one that will be a message to spread across the province. The message was that a demon was coming in their lands and all will be sundered by his axes and his thirst for wine. The town had their own garrison and a militia to supplement them. Word had already spread from the destruction of an outpost. They had their own armaments while the militia came with farming equipment and some spears. It was clear that the blow at their nearby outpost did reduce the numbers a bit but it didn't mean they would just cower in the face of a barbarian like Lao.

This put a smile on Lao's face as his organized horde as his bronze axes gleamed in each of his hands. Archers and former hunters lined up with bows drawn and arrows at the ready. Each bandit had their own personal story, some had second thoughts before this but they let loose the arrows as Lao yelled for the attack.

It was something that the common townsmen haven't seen from bandit gangs. They acted like a semi-organized army, somewhat drilled but Lao just got lucky with the gangs that gather around him. The militia and the Imperials were soften by the first volley of arrows and the second did the most damage but the defenders were not swayed to cowardice.

"Good!" The drunken bandit yelled in joy," they won't back down. This means we have a fight." He stretches his axe out to the town," bring me that town, burn it down and get as much wine, women, and wealth you can get!"

The bandits charged as they yelled, Lao charged in with the bandit spears but not in the front. He knew that it would be the death of him but he also wanted a good time getting stuck in. As the spears clashed into one another, Lao jumps from one of the dead bandits and crashed into the defender's, cutting bodies down with his bronze axes. Lao fights both soldier and peasant militiamen as a one man tornado.

Each hit was nothing more but a mark upon many across his leather armor. Eventually the weight of the horde beared down on the town and crush the defense, much to Lao's chagrin. The town was then preceded to get looted and burned down. Men were slaughtered while children and women were enslaved. Food and coin were looted and passed around along with the slaves.

And the demonic laughter and whooping of the horde as the town burned. It was story that would be told from a sole survivor of the attack and would paint the picture that Lao wanted all to see in the province. Of a drunken bloodlust demon and his horde are here to take the province for their own.

[Sapientia Et Bellum]

The natural clock, marked by the rising of the blazing sun and the collapse of the lonely pearl, continued to tick along. The birds would begin to sing songs of joy and life which acted as the old man natural alarm clock. The old man would rise from his simplistic bed before staring directly at the small wooden box that sat before him. He rose and walked to the box which he opened. The box contained a simplistic bag made of various natural fibers along with papers containing chinese characters. The box would also include several writing utensils and basic utensils. The man would fill the bag with these items before leaving the hut. Fishermen had already made their way out into the river to gather food given to them by the heavens. The yellow river itself was considered to flow as a continuation of heaven throughout the empire and beyond. The old man smiled at this scene before picking up a sturdy stick that stood just below his chest. The old man began to walk along the river as he had decided to move on to a new village.

[Kowani]

Yang’s House, The Capital

Yang had seen quite a few tricks in his life. The monk who had tried to escape by eating his way through the chains, that was particularly memorable. But none of that compared to the sheer mess of bureaucracy and paperwork the Imperial Government used to hide its sheer corruption and incompetence. Of course, he didn’t mind corruption. Wheels had to be greased after all. But in cases like this, where accurate results were needed quickly, it was infuriating. “How hard can it be to find tax returns for each province” He muttered, putting several scrolls into his backpack. Sighing, he turned to his guard, a tall, elegant man. A mute foreigner, nobody knew where he came from. “I don’t suppose we managed to make an appointment with the Emperor?”

[Danceria]

Langye Prison, South Shangdong

---

"Can I...fight?" Haiwen repeated dumbly. After he gradually processed all that happened between his still throbbing skull, he stammered out a response. "Er, well yes. I am...well, an acrobat by profession, Milord Governor. Knife thrower, hoop jumper and all that." the young man fumbled, still on his knees as was prudent of commoners before nobility. "I'm not terrible at archery, but I wouldn't describe myself as a soldier. As for my past, Milord Governor, I was trained in wrestling by the monks of Mount Tai. That is where I received my martial education, but much of my combat experience, if it can even be called that in comparison to your armies, Governor sir...it's rather lackluster."

With that, Haiwen's stomach loudly submitted its own priorities. "...Perhaps after I break my fast, we may discuss this further, Milord Governor?" the man asked sheepishly.

[Kowani]

Yang was now in full on panic mode. Somehow, the man who prided himself on knowing everything had missed the preparation for a rebellion. He had been completely blindsided. This “Ju Dynasty” had been a nothing, and then, a wildfire. His information networks were ablaze, and trade with that region disrupted. This was a catastrophe m. One he could turn to his advantage, if he played his cards right, but to do that, he would have to go in person. An envoy was too risky. “Bakhman. Prepare a trip. It would appear that we have to pay this Song Jin a visit.” “Perhaps he can be reasoned with.”

[Aeyariss]

ZHAO ZHANG

It was a cold windy night when Zhou Zhang finished his preparations for battle. The shaman beats the war drum, supposedly to draw blessing and good fortune. The storm seemed to have calmed down a little bit, but little did they know this lull was simply because they were at the center of the eye and the worst is yet to come.

A monstrous otherworldly roar was heard from the distant. Then the earth shook. The rest of the village scoured for whatever safety they could find. But Zhou Zhang and his mare stood still.

"Good luck, young Zhang." the shaman took off as well.

Sighing, Zhang noticed that he was all but alone, and began to think that it was after all not a bright idea after all, but it was too late to backed out.

He decided he might as well die trying.

Hyah! He beat the mare and began to charge toward the the direction where the roar was heard from, spears at the ready. He reaches a forest treelines and decided not to continue. Heavy thud in the distant shook the earth as something headed closer toward him. What he sees made his heart raced.

The demon had taken the shape and form of a boar. I big giant boar that must have been as a tall as the trees in the forest. It had a glowing fiery eyes, and it seemed to be breathing out a thick black fog everytime it snorted. Nevertheless our hero remained undeterred.

"You fool of a human, you dare stand against me!" The demon spoke and roared mightily before charging toward Zhang.

Zhang drew his bow high, pulled the string and began calculating the distance. He aimed for the eyes and began releasing arrows as rapid as he can, lowering his aim after each shot so each arrows will hit the same target at the same time. By the time the demonic boar closed in to half their distant, three arrows found its mark, and the boar - half blinded - lost its balance and crashed onto the ground almost crushing Zhang before the casually took a step sideways and avoided it and the beast passed him.

Zhou Zhang took his spear and lunged it into the other eyes; piercing right through its brain.

The demonic beast died immediately.

[Guuj Xaat Kil]

Tongrao Xuegang

In the week before the Ju Dynasty's revolt, the warlord was busy. Noting the absence of his prey, he committed himself to subsuming various villages and towns near his realm's northernmost fringes, forcing them to accept the protection of the Tongrao and become part of it. Of course, when revolt came from these villages, he made sure to crush them as fast as possible, round up the instigators, and publicly execute them to send a message. On the day the rebellion took place, Tongrao Xuegang had taken exactly 146 villages and towns for his kingdom, all of their population combined was 3,263. News of this magnitude was fast travelling, and the warlord heard of it just two days after it was declared. Just a day later, word of him marching northward with the full host of 3,000 men was public.

[Aeyariss]

ZHAO ZHANG

With the demon killed, balance was restored in the nature. The flooding, the storm and the rain finally stopped. It was a new dawn when Zhang return to the village, and received a hero's welcome. Xi Ci, the village head, and the shaman were already gathered.

"You know there's giant boar enough for the whole province back there, do you reckon there's a way we could harvest it and feed on it?" Zhang said to the Shaman.

"Not a good idea, it used to be a Mountain Gods then it got possessed by a dark spirit, but if its dead there's good chance that evil had poison the meat. It would not be wise to consume such meat."

"Shame. Well, we shall have to burn it after we look after the village." Zhang said. The damages were repaired, the deads buried, and life slowly returned to what it was. But the tales of Zhang killing the demon spread through the neighboring villages, and people began to flock to see Zhang and the foul beast he had killed.

The villagers mounted a giant pyre to burn the giant carcass and then hold a celebration in honor of Zhang.

When it was over, the village head approached him. "Zhang! You saved this village! You save my daughter! How can I ever make repay you?"

"Well..." Zhang face turns red, as he turn to Xi Ci, and she blushes too.

They we married soon after, and had a son who was born in the year of the Horse.

Zhang named him after his father; Liang.

---

Years then passed.

When his father in law passed away due to old age the village named him head, and imperial enforcer from the province officiate his appointment. As head of village, Zhang saw to it that the rice paddies provided more yield. Thus when the land was bountiful the society grew larger, and now the village turn into a small flourishing town.

More people passed through it, bringing in merchants and commoner alike. Scholars who came to study the scriptures came to the town to study. One of them He Jian became Zhang's friend, tutor and assistant. Zhang learned to read and write through He Jian.

One day, a group of brigand was roaming the countryside robbing and stealing from approaching merchant caravan. So Zhang and the strongest men in the town rode out in force to chase after them. The bandits numbered about 50 people strong, and outnumbered Zhang's forces by half. Yet, Zhang's charges took them by surprised when they were in the open. He cut down the number in half. Zhang saw the chief of the brigand troupe and charge at him, yet the opponent was unlike his men. A spear felled down Zhang's horse, and he was forced to fight on the ground.

Both men exchanged blows after blow but none were able to kill off one another. But the rest his guard had defeated the brigands, and the rest had surrendered leaving only the leader. Several of his men tried to tackle the leader but got themselves knocked off. Impressed, Zhang called on him to surrender.

"You fought well, but this fight is over, why not surrender and I shall spare your life." He said, sword still pointed at the leader.

"Gyah! This fight is not over until I die."

"My name is Zhou Zhang, I am the head of the town where you men are attacking. What is your name?"

"I was called Hong Jin."

"Ah, I shall remember your name." Zhang charged again, deflected a swing of his opponent sword before disarming him. A strong knock against Hong Jin head knocked him to the ground.

When Hong Jin looked up, he sees Zhang towering over him and his sword pressing against his neck.

"This fight is over. And you have lost."

[Danceria]

Langye Assembly Grounds, South Shangdong

---

Bold promises were made by the Lord Governor, now King of the Ju State. Of course Haiwen was only half partial. As a travelling troupe of troubadours, they knew more than anyone else the depravity of not only the Imperial Court, but the courts of various governors beneath them, as well as the roving tribes of barbarians. On the other hand, he wasn't terribly certain on the wisdom of fighting someone with vastly superior numbers and generals.

Nevertheless, Haiwen was welcomed in the court of Song Jin Ju. He trained, and got acquainted with the various courtiers of both high and low birth. Lord Ju was rather...benevolent. Which immediately meant that he was either going to die, or the rebellion would go up in flames and Haiwen would have to flee to the other side of China in order to not be caught. While leisurely waiting for Lord Ju's requests, Haiwen wondered if any of those "unwashed tribes" would appreciate a good acrobat...

[Kowani]

Yang’s Traveling Train
A small procession, really. He didn’t want to attract too much attention. Thus, they had not brought much. Yang himself, of course, and his bodyguard Bakhman. They had hired a few “local porters” (Employed by Yang as his eyes on the road) of course, but for the most part, the party appeared normal. Thankfully, Heaven had blessed them with good weather, and thus, they traveled quickly. Time was of the essence. And up ahead, the orange flag waved in the wind, showing their destination. Yang stopped, turning to a porter. “Hand me that box. I believe this disguise is no longer of use. If I am to learn anything, I should at least appear to be of note, if not overly important.” Thus, the journeyman’s clothes were changed for his formal attire, and the march towards the Ju continued.

[Danceria]

Langye Palace, South Shangdong

---

There was very little Haiwen could do to oppose Lord Ju. Well, he could ignore him, but that would mean turning aside a very profitable venture. Speaking of profit, apparently he needed to keep an eye on this merchant...envoy. Orange flag, was he an emissary from the imperial palace? No, only a couple of weeks went by. They would have sent an army...

"It shall be done, milord." Haiwen bowed, before following the messenger to the man himself. Addressing the man and his train, Haiwen asked. "Are you here to speak with Lord Ju of Langye? Follow us then, he awaits you as a guest under the rights of hospitality. Do nothing to change that, dignitary."

It was the simple change in words that made the difference, as a performer Haiwen knew it well. This man was dressed in finery, and bore similar marks to the occasional treasurers who worked to pay (or dismiss the pay) of his troupe whenever they were around the capital. While never formally having the honour of performing before the Emperor, this of course didn't mean that Haiwen was ignorant to the man's profession, nor his evident stature.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Xi sat in his throne room, ready to make his next move.

All warlords and men who wish to pit themselves against the Xia are hrereby invited to Yunnan 5 days from now.

[Kowani]

Langye Palace, South Shangdong

---

There was very little Haiwen could do to oppose Lord Ju. Well, he could ignore him, but that would mean turning aside a very profitable venture. Speaking of profit, apparently he needed to keep an eye on this merchant...envoy. Orange flag, was he an emissary from the imperial palace? No, only a couple of weeks went by. They would have sent an army...

"It shall be done, milord." Haiwen bowed, before following the messenger to the man himself. Addressing the man and his train, Haiwen asked. "Are you here to speak with Lord Ju of Langye? Follow us then, he awaits you as a guest under the rights of hospitality. Do nothing to change that, dignitary."

It was the simple change in words that made the difference, as a performer Haiwen knew it well. This man was dressed in finery, and bore similar marks to the occasional treasurers who worked to pay (or dismiss the pay) of his troupe whenever they were around the capital. While never formally having the honour of performing before the Emperor, this of course didn't mean that Haiwen was ignorant to the man's profession, nor his evident stature.

Yang smiled, a soft smile that did not quite reach his eyes. He flicked a finger at Bakhman, who preceded to stride off, his feet never quite seeming to touch the ground. Turning back to the man who had greeted them, Yang took him in. His clothes, musculature, manner of speech…An athlete of some sort? “Thank you for the hospitality. I extend my thanks, both to Heaven for watching over us along the way, and your Lord for his kindness. On our way to meet him, would you mind telling me about yourself? I will confess, it is a habit of mine to like to know the local people anywhere I am.”

[Danceria]

-snip-

Streets of Langye, South Shangdong

---

"I am a man with two legs, two arms, and two eyes." Haiwen answered neutrally. "No doubt of little concern to a bureaucrat such as yourself. By your robes, the nature of what little cargo you carry with you, and the fact that you could've asked any of those porters you came with-" he gestured to the few that straggled the train when entering the city. "You are either a wealthy merchant, or someone on the Emperor's treasury by my deduction."

Haiwen knew that this man had political say and wealth leagues above his own. As such, he would remain courteous, but detached from any offers that he may have, or directly giving him intelligence on who he may be. Just because he aligned himself with a rebel ruler doesn't mean he was going to allow assassins to attack him.

[Aeyariss]

ZHAO ZHANG

---

The bandit were defeated, and its leader and the rest had been brought back in irons.

Zhang sent out a messenger to the provincial court to report what had happened. A government official congratulate Zhang on his success and appointed him as government enforcer while He Jian will be his legal advisor; he shall have the powers to decide the fate of the bandits. He contemplate about what has happened, and wondered what justice will he enforce.

A court was convened.

"Hong Jin, you are are accused of thieving and robbing. A crime punishable by death If found guilty. How do you plead? "

"Oh, just be quick about it, I am guilty. You should just killed me in the field. Why waste time?"

"Indeed I ought to have you killed. But I am not without mercy."

"Then I shall let the Heaven decide my Fate."

"Well, I shall let the witnesses speak." Zhang turned to the man who own the robbed caravan. A wealthy, fat, merchant.

"My Lord. This man and his robbers had rob me! I demand that he be punished by death." That merchant was rude. He Jian who was writing the court log interjected.

"You don't get to make demands from the acting magistrate" the scholar saids in defense of Zhang.

"That is alright, Jian. Let this man speak. Tell, me, how much had you lost?"

"My Lord, these thieves took most of the rice that was meant to be sold, and most of our other valuables including gold. We were lucky none of my men were killed, only roughed out -"

"Interesting. So, he didn't kill any of your men?"

"No. My Lord - "

"And why is that Hong Jin?"

The prisoner raised his head.

"Because my brothers and I never meant to harm. We only meant to take the food and gold. Yes, we are thieves, but we are not killer." Hong Jin said.

"And, yet, today you killed some of my guards."

"You came for us, trying to kill us, are we supposed to lay down and simply dies?" Hong Jin said in defiance. Zhang nodded. He'd probably did the same thing as well.

"My Lord, this man had stolen my product, he must be punished!" the Merchant interjected the court again.

"Yes, yes. I shall listen to this man and see what he has to say."

"My Lord, this world is unjust - the rich gets richer while the rest of us poor are eating dirt and dying by the ditch but no one will cares. I merely did what I had to do to survive. Where I came from, no one would look at us poor beggars. So we did what we can to survive. If by taking from the rich helps my people survived I shall do it."

"Your people?"

Suddenly there is a commotion outside the court house. One of the guards came running toward Zhang.

"Lord Zhang, there are people who says they know who this prisoner is and they begged an audience with you."

"What is this?" Zhang and his entourage went out to see the commotion. They a group of women and children clad in worn dirty clothes. The guards formed a blockade to prevent them storming in.

"My Lord, I begged you spare Hong Jin's life and take my own. He is not a bad person." a woman was wailing. Zhang was stunned.

"Where did these people came from, I've never seen them in this town before?" Zhang asked and one of the guards replied.

"They say they came from Mao and came here after walking the entire night before."

"They walked hundreds of lis to come here?" Zhang was shocked. Mao was several hundred miles to their south. To think they came all here just to see him. Zhang went inside.

"Your wife and children came. I assumed the rest are families of your fallen brothers. Any last words to say to them?" Zhang said to the prisoner.

"I am ashamed to see them. Quickly, end my life."

"Well just now you said you will let the Heaven decide your fate. We shall see."

The court moved outside into the court yard, Hong Jin and some others of the thieves had been paraded out in white clothes and chained. They were forced to kneel before the crowds. Zhang came outside finally where he will decide his justice. He turn towards Heaven, looking for a sign. Hong Jin was calm, but the rest of the men were shivering, wailing.

"The court has find Hong Jin and his men, guilty of robbing." he began to said as loud as he can't. He can see the merchant smirked.

"Their punishment will be 50 lashes and a lifetime worth of hard labor in the field until they have paid off the debts incurred which amounted to the values of all the things they had taken."

Everyone was shocked, some of the crowds cheered. "Zhang the Merciful", the merchant rushed to him. But before he managed to protest.

"He didn't kill you or any of your men. You ought to be grateful. The town will compensate you in gold in appreciation of our longstanding business relationship. Do you object?"

"Uh...no, my lord. But."

"Then justice is served." Zhang went off.

***

That night Zhang visited the prisoner in their cells.

"You spare my life once again." Hong Jin said first.

"Yes. I spared your life."

"Why?"

"Why, why? I have no intention of killing you and your men any further. Well perhaps I'd begin by asking you to surrender, but we were outnumbered and we would lose the element of surprised."

"Aye, surprised we you did. Otherwise I'd be able to kill you lot."

"Except you didn't. And now here we are."

"Here we are." Hong Jin repeated. "Now what? Am I to spend the rest of my life in chain, and work like a slave until I die?"

"No. I will let you free, but my guards will watch over you or your men. I have allowed your womenfolk and children to stay here while you lot work hard to pay your debts off."

"There are your prisoners too then?"

"Oh no. There's plenty of field where everyone can work. You and your people will have work, and maybe, chance to better your life. It's better than living a wicked life.
"
"Oh, how can I ever repay you, my Lord."

"Well, to start off, you can look after my field, and pigs. I've got plenty of them. I shall give you fair wages for fair works as well."

"My Lord, I shall swear fealty to you and your family."

Zhang laughed.

"Please. I am no Lord."

"Then perhaps I shall help make you one, the world is a better place if people like you are at the top."

[Ralnis]

Golo, Capital of Wang Province,
A week later

It had been one of the greatest weeks in Lao's life. His desolation of the province brought fear in the eyes of the people and many came to surrender and pay tribute to leave them alone. This came in the favor of weapons, food, coin, wine and women. Entire garrisons would throw down their weapons in surrender as he came through their town, looking to take what he and his horde wanted. This also helped his horde grow as raider gangs and former troops who helped strengthen the horde troops by teaching them how to better organize and fight against the other troops. Most don't take on to it but some do and that put a smile on the Drunken Demon's bearded face.

However a horde can't stay still! So Lao had decided to march on to the jewel of Wang, Golo. The provincial capital and a bulwark against the tribes beyond Xia. Now this would be a prize for Lao! Something to topple over and to show all the power of the Demon of Xia. He would bask in the wealth and women of the nobility, drink all types of wine and make the whole of the province bow to him.

He made his command to his horde as they marched onward to the capital. The slaves provided the necessary logistics that horses couldn't and made the travel much smoother and quicker. When Lao looked at the walls of Golo, he gave a joyful demonic laugh, one that has started to become a signature characteristic for the Drunk Monster. This noise made the guards over the walls and saw the encampment of thousands of raiders, seizing up their city while building crude batter rams and some not-so-crude ladders from enslaved artisans who work for the horde to take down cities.

An envoy came with armed guards. The envoy was clearly shaken by seeing the horde at their doorstep, each bandit eyeing him up.

"I..I came to speak with your leader, the Drunk Demon Lao." The envoy spoke.

"Won't do you no good. He'll get a laugh out of this." A former Xia soldier ushered him to follow to the center tent that houses the warlord.

The envoy saw the large encampment of tents that housed all assortment of things from slave pens, kitchens, fighting pits, herding animals and even a few merchants hawking their wares for silver. Each of the bandits look at the envoy with varying degrees of brutal hunger, some spew insults of cowardice while some tell them that their city is theirs. Eventually they made it to the large tent of the boss of the horde, Drunken Lao.

The envoy looked in and saw the drunkard doing his namesake on a clay bottle of captured wine that was being poured by a slave woman. When the man saw the envoy as he drank from his wooden bowl and wine poured over his dark beard, he laughed. His laugh was booming and loud as he gestured the woman to get out of the tent as he told the envoy to come in. The very sight of the man who has rampaged the entire province and no Xia reinforcements have been coming on the set of a full-on rebellion called the Ju Dynasty rose to power at the same time the bandit horde but were more organized and loud.

"So you're Chang's messenger?" Lao asked," has he finally decided to surrender or is he going to make this fun?"

"He wishes to parley with you, any thing you wish that could spare the city from your rampage."

"I will make this very clear before I killed the last one and sent his head back to the good minister." Lao voice got deeper and a little angry," I either want the rulership of the province, that means the city. Either you surrender to me now or I will have my fun as I destroy those gates and take the city, and Chang's wife and daughters for myself."

The envoy quivers in fear, " but surely."

Then in one swift motion the envoy's head comes off. The body falls afterward with blood coming from the brutal decapitation. Lao just laughed for a couple of minutes and sighed. Tomorrow was going to be a good day, a good day indeed.

The Next Day

The horde was at assaulting the walls. Arrows were being exchanged and the bandits were having difficulty smashing through the gates with the battering ram. The defenders were belting them with hot oil and fire as the screams of bandits dying were music to Lao's ears. He knew that many will die during sieges, many invaders had to sustain big casualties to take cities and the horde will do no better. However it was getting boring to watch them fail at taking the front gate so he called to his new second, a former Xia soldier by the name of Gao.

"Gao, get those ladders up on the walls and take the gate!"

Gao gave the commands as the bandits surge forth with the long ladders, being covered by a volley of arrows for protection. The ladders swung up top from the walls and the bandits started to pour in over the walls like a locust horde. Many bandits died to the superior training of the Xia defenders but they soon being overwhelmed. Another group of bandits with shields grabbed the ram and started to break through the gate once again. This time through the commotion and being pressed by both sides, the defenders couldn't stop the gates from being broken in as Lao lead the charge into the city.

Lao was every bit of a demon as he hyped himself up to be. The Xia defenders had no idea that he was a hurricane of carnage with two copper axes crashing down on one mad and he grabbed the spear and stabbed another. He fought through so many that he started to pick up their axes and chop his way through soldiers. Eventually the defender's line broke and the horde swarmed in, exploiting every weakness that was made and the city grumbled underneath their rule.

Lao and his most trusted men walked up the steps of the Minister's home. It was nice, as any frontier royalty would have it and it was enough for any bandit king to lavish in but Lao didn't want to be bored. He barked at his men to go search for Wang and his family. Eventually through the rampage in the manor they found him and his family hiding in separate places. Lao sat in the center of the household in a makeshift throne. They all wore Imperial noble garments and had a grooming tradition.

"Minister Chang of the province of Wang." Lao gave a chuckle to the naming scheme," here you are on my throne-"

"Your on my seat!" Chang yelled but was backhanded by one of Lao's men.

"All I wanted was for you to surrender the province to me. You decided to fight me and give me a fun time. It has been fun! I won't doubt that but I want the city and the province. I want my own dynasty and now that the province belongs to me then I will want even more. But first..."

The bandits each stabbed Wang with a spear, to the horrific screams of his wife and daughter.

"Take them to the camp. Give the young one to Gao as a prize for a job well done. I'll take the older one."

With the screams of the widow and her daughter being music to the ears of the demon he walked out to his horde. His men were looking at him with smiles on their faces, blood on their hands and a hunger that nearly matches Lao's.

"Today we've taking the city of Golo, and have taking the Province of Wang!"

The horde whoops and cheers Lao's name.

"We have done what no other bandits have done but we aren't done! The Xia are having trouble with their holdings as they cower in their cities, thinking that we will just go away!"

The crowd boos and throws insults at the Emperor's name.

"But we won't! Let them cower in fear for we hunt them down! We will sack and burn their lands, take their wives and their wealth. Make them see that their Mandate is worth shit as the demons from hell will ascend their throne and take that Mandate for ourselves. Then we will pillage the world!"

The crowd cheers and calls out the demon's name. Tonight was the night of taking what they want from the city for they have the province and soon they would march on to go north into the interior. All that means is to smash through the rest of the Xia lands, damn any rebel who gets in the way between his want for war, women, and wine, damn the Xia ministers who think they can hide in their cities when his horde comes along.

And damn the Emperor who thinks that Heaven will favor him when he comes to take his city's riches and wine for himself.

[Aeyariss]

Zhou Zhang became head of a very large clan that saw expansion of their small town into a major center for commerce and scholarly pursuit. Later they submitted themselves to the Xia Dynasty that came from the East. An elderly Zhang prostrated himself before the Emperor, and he was name lord of Guanzhong and were granted the title the Lord Warden Who Guards the West. Together with He Jian the scholar, and his strong man Hong Jin they brought prosperity. In time, they all passed away, and the family rules over the region not only continued but rose further in prestige and power.

End of Origin Story

[Kowani]

-snip-

Streets of Langye, South Shangdong

---

"I am a man with two legs, two arms, and two eyes." Haiwen answered neutrally. "No doubt of little concern to a bureaucrat such as yourself. By your robes, the nature of what little cargo you carry with you, and the fact that you could've asked any of those porters you came with-" he gestured to the few that straggled the train when entering the city. "You are either a wealthy merchant, or someone on the Emperor's treasury by my deduction."

Haiwen knew that this man had political say and wealth leagues above his own. As such, he would remain courteous, but detached from any offers that he may have, or directly giving him intelligence on who he may be. Just because he aligned himself with a rebel ruler doesn't mean he was going to allow assassins to attack him.

Yang smiled, raising an eyebrow. The man was clearly intelligent. But he said nothing, merely choosing to let it slide. “I am a…concerned citizen, nothing more. This business of warfare-it is too much for me. It weighs on my heart in a way nothing else can. Better to let others, those more suited to it, handle such things. But perhaps this is not the time to think that way. Let us return to the matter at hand, shall we?”

[Kowani]

Yang smiled, raising an eyebrow. The man was clearly intelligent. But he said nothing, merely choosing to let it slide. “I am a…concerned citizen, nothing more. This business of warfare-it is too much for me. It weighs on my heart in a way nothing else can. Better to let others, those more suited to it, handle such things. But perhaps this is not the time to think that way. Let us return to the matter at hand, shall we?”

Jin rushed to set up the table with some fruit and meats, making sure that they would use nothing too extravagant nor too humble. Balance, moderation, in life was what was needed. He needed to come off as not too proud nor too simple. Politicking was a tricky balance between inspiring awe and humbling oneself.

He had his servants handpicked and had the rest take the day off, for he wanted to not stress them out, they could complete the work the next day.
He lived in a rather humble, but defensible palace, so it was not too worrying.

He waited patiently, sitting at the far side of the table. As his guests entered he stood up and smiled, waving them towards seats next to him.
"Welcome! I am King Song Jin of the Ju Dynasty. It is an honor to meet you."

Yang smiled his enigmatic, soft smile once more, bowing slightly. “I thank Heaven for bringing us here without incident or worry, for these are difficult times. My name is Yin-and it is an honor to be met. It would appear that the man who rises up has a good character after all.” He strifes slowly towards the seat, his eyes taking in everything around him. Just himself, the…escort and the lord. Interesting. “But I believe we are both aware of why I am here.” Pulling a go board out of his sack, he smiled once more. “I have long found that the greatest men play the greatest games. Shall we?”