I am going to need help getting back into my characters; I would like to start on Yuanxun, here. If you can spare a thread or would like one with me, please let me know. We can plot or something.
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I am going to need help getting back into my characters; I would like to start on Yuanxun, here. If you can spare a thread or would like one with me, please let me know. We can plot or something.
Wears Mom’s cheongsam around the house because fuck everything.
"If you are owed a reply by me, set the link for it in my fanmail. My activity is far too lifeless to seen. New threads are also appreciated. Just be aware of the timeline headcanon I've created."
RE-ROUTING HISTORY{closed starter}
A light sigh was pulled away by the morning breeze at the unfailing formality of the advisor, but there was little to be done about it. If Zhuge Yuanxun was going to insist, there was hardly any point to arguing. “An heir once, perhaps; future ruler remains to be seen. I might not have changed much physically, but proving that I am who I claim to be is likely to take some time, and even then the interior ministry may have other plans for the succession.” There were so many things that could stop them dead in their tracks, and Zixiao wasn’t about to fight any more of his family members over a chair and a seal.
Nevertheless, an optimistic smile broke across his features, posture straightening to hold the exile at his full height. “Well, I suppose the only way to know is to return home, isn’t it? We’ll take things one step at a time, and adjust as the situation calls for it. We can discuss it on the way; fifty li isn’t so far, after all, with good horses and only brief rests, we could arrive before dinner this evening.” No part of Sun He’s face moved to indicate mischievousness, but his excitement was evident in glinting emerald eyes. Wouldn’t it just be a sight for two dead men to enter the palace as though they’d never left, just as the remnants of the court were settling in to enjoy their first course?
At the mention of his family, however, the former heir’s expression softened considerably. “Of course I miss them, I never stopped missing them. Pengzu will be twenty sui at the new year, and Qian and Mingqi aren’t far behind; Jun and De I might still be able to lift, but I doubt De will remember me at all. Lai, Paoyu, Lu… and Princess Quan, as well, are left.” His teeth set on edge at the sound of his eldest sister, but a deep breath cleared the tension from his jaw, “ Luyu… after we make an appearance in Jianye, I’ll go to fetch her myself. Changsha is days away, back southwest from here at least 300 li, if not farther. She’s strong-hearted, I’m sure she’ll understand if I take just a little longer.”
Bright eyes returned to the scion of the Zhuge clan at his side, clouds of guilt dimming them despite the dawn. “I’m sorry, it must seem insensitive of me to talk about them like this,” he intoned quietly. How could he act so cheerfully, knowing how few there were to greet his savior? “About your niece, Princess Zhang… I know I’ve apologized a thousand times, and I know it doesn’t make up for anything, but if all goes well and we are successful, I intend to honor her as empress. Without her sacrifice, I wouldn’t be standing here with you, so I will begin to thank you in that way; I’ve yet to decide on a suitable reward for you, personally, although you can rest assured that your rank will be restored, at the very least.”
Zhuge Ke paused to listen to the countless apologies offered to him by the Sun prince. It seemed wrong, to hear such words fall from his Lord, and instantly he rose a hand to stop the apology for his niece. He had understood that it would need to happen... and his cousins and brother would understand what was needed, he hoped. Most of his clan was teetering on the edge, precariously perched upon a cliff.
"You have no need to say you're sorry for that. Nor do you need to reward me for such things. I'm doing this because we are... It is my job, is it not?" The ebonet turned his eyes, blue as the sky, to rest upon a field of rampant crimson. The Sun was younger than he, true, but he held wisdom beyond his years... most likely due to the terrible events that had ensued in his childhood and later years.
"Your sons must be quite the sight. I wish I had been able to guide Haozong in his scholarly pursuits as planned. I imagine he's still very much studious as he once was, if not a little reckless- like his father, of course." Crossing his arms over his chest, Yuanxun looked up at such a devious plan. To arrive in the courts, in front of the terrible people whom had attempted to have them killed... it would end in perfection, surely, and would require no small amount of deception on his own part. But then... wasn't that what he'd done best throughout his life?
"Consider it a dinner date, then, my Lord," said Yuanxun.
"I'm sure they'll never see it coming."
A Plot Between Friends - HeirofBrightTalent {SunDeng/ZhugeKe}
Elbow resting in the palm of his other hand, Sun Quan’s heir cupped his own cheek and shifted onto one hip, looking at Ke fondly. Such a whiner, though he had to wonder how much of his complaining was genuine. ”Ah, but I recall catching you a few times when you’ve lost your footing, literally speaking. I’d say that makes us a little more even, doesn’t it?”
A thick, dark eyebrow quirked, viridian narrowing curiously on his friend. ”You don’t sound pleased. What, is it the thought of travelling while the weather is still so muggy? Come now, Yuanxun,” Deng chided jokingly, not giving the man even a moment to defend himself. ”I thought you were made of sturdier stuff than that. We’re the future of Wu, aren’t we? What kinds of leaders would we be if we couldn’t handle a bit of travelling in the heat for the good of the country?”
He relented, pleased with his teasing. Bright hues slid to the side to watch the other man’s reaction, a faint grin playing across his lips with a matching twinkle of mischief in his eyes. ”I say soon, but what I mean is as soon as the weather is less of an issue. It wouldn’t do for us to put ourselves in unnecessary danger, and I’ve heard that it gets hotter in that region, being south and slightly more inland, and all.” The young lord crinkled his brows in deep thought, eyes moving back and forth across some invisible map. ”…It is rather far, though. I’m sure that some would argue too far. I can’t imagine having an easy time of moving so many families and possessions, not to mention that there is risk of constant invasion from the southern peoples…”
He sighed heavily, closing his eyes in moderate frustration. ”Invasion from the north, invasion from the south… I would like to propose a relocation to Changsha, as well, but then we risk invasions from the west, though it is definitely a more stable region than it was just a handful of years ago.”
Forested hues reopened to settle on Zhuge Ke, facial features relaxing in silent defeat. Zigao knew that his older friend was only looking out for him in his worry. The fact that he was cause for worry at all was what drove him to irritation, whether or not he meant to display that annoyance to those close to him.
"Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, won’t we?" Deng sighed softly, releasing his tension in a slow, methodical exhale. "As two old men, if I have anything to say about it."
"You know, ignoring the problem is only going to make it worse. You need to see a better physician," Ke prodded deeper, knowing full-well that when he got to this sort of defensiveness that there was something hiding beneath the surface. Especially when he began to relent in his teasing. "I've heard that there are people that studied Hua Tuo's work and could come down to take a look, you know."
It wasn't so much that he didn't want to go to Wuming as it was that he didn't want to go to Wuming. It was a beautiful place, filled with beautiful things... but honestly? It would be best to wait until Winter. Winter was a time things went to sleep that could possibly want to eat them, after-all.
"Besides, I don't plan on making it to old age, you know. You'll be here by yourself, living allll the glory as an old, fat guy with no one to listen to his jokes, Your Highness."
i should just stop while im ahead
"It’s said that "power corrupts," but actually it’s more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power. When they do act, they think of it as service, which has limits. The tyrant, though, seeks mastery, for which he is insatiable, implacable."
David Brin
In this world of deception, true friendship is the rarest treasure.
You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don’t trust enough.
Frank Crane
In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies.
Winston Churchill
桜 / まゆポン
((New Follower Open))
"Yes!" Zhuge Ke nearly whirled around at the sound of the door opening up behind him. He was supposed to have had complete and private access to the council room that day-- unreliable as ever.
"Can I help you? I'm in the middle of something, but if you make it quick, I'll see what I can do."
AU - / A Troubled Soul That Never Passed | Coming Home / OrderBeforeVirtue
It had been years since Zhuge Ke had returned home to the fiery place of his father's enlistment. Of his own education with a long-deceased friend. A friend he could have joined in death from the hands of that man's own cousin and sister. A friend that had helped to shape Zhuge Ke as much as Zhuge Ke had helped to shape him. A friend who had a brother that had become family to him, and who had given birth to a brilliant young boy.
While he was still 'alive', he'd done everything he could to see the boy grow. To help him with his own education and tutor him when it was needed. He would always tote alongside the red-headed youngin' and sneak him treats and books whenever he was in town.
He'd followed them when they'd first left for Guzhang, and then again to Xinye. He'd forced himself to stay silent about the ordeal that they'd crossed into, to not go back and allow them to know of their escape. But...
All of that's different, now. Not that I'm standing here, I feel fear again. What if he doesn't remember? It was such a long time ago...
Zhuge Ke paused at the house in front of him, his lungs filling with hair before forcing it out in a harsh sigh of an exhale. Blue eyes betrayed his trust and began to leak, turning his head toward the servant beside the door frame. He didn't really want to be announced-- not in such a way that would cause alarm or panic. Already Yuanxun was beginning to panic on his own, wondering if this would possibly be the last thing he ever did. He'd heard that Yuanzong had grown into a strong, handsome and smart young man. Someone that was easily respected and had helped to raise his younger brothers with Lady He.
How we owe that woman so...
"I'm a strategist of Wu here to see the Marquis of Wucheng, Lord Sun. It's urgent business of the state and I must speak with him immediately."
Giggles and laughter poured forth, the child thoroughly enjoying this chance encounter with every inch of his soul. Small arms wrapped around the older man’s neck with the embrace until it came time to be set back down.
Feet finally touching the floor, Pengzu faced Zhuge Ke with a bright smile, radiating the image of his father on a smaller canvas. ”I was just wandering about while everyone else was getting ready. I already made my lantern!”
"Are you here to celebrate with anyone, Lord Zhuge?" He held back the urge to rock on his heels, instead favouring a forward-bent posture of curiosity.
Ke placed an affectionate peck to the top of his head, shaking his own in response. "No. Don't have anyone to celebrate with this time-- its a family thing, you know? Most of my family's back the other way, save for my brother. But he's busy, as most men are these days." Two hands rose to station themselves upon Ke's hips, his brows raising in emphasis.
"Already made your lantern? Well, now. That must be some fine craftsmanship for it to be from someone your age! Lemme take a gander at it, will you? This is somethin' I gotta see."
Tap. Taptaptap.
Just lay here, Yuanxun, and he’ll go away on his own.
Nevermind that this has been going on for ten minutes.
Ignore him and he’ll leave. Pretend you don’t hear him.
Finally having enough, the adviser rolled out of bed and strode over to his window, yanking the curtains open with a glare cast outside.
Tap tap. Tap tap tap. Tap tap. It had already been ten minutes since Deng had set out on his mission to wake his friend and advisor up, the young prince having been given a ‘brilliant’ idea after their previous conversation. Never mind that it was turning out to be more work than it was probably worth; Yuanxun’s reactions were almost always worth such efforts.
Apt to disagree, of course, was the servant standing quietly a few feet away, shifting uncomfortably in his spot. Did the kid need the bathroom or something? Surely standing for a few minutes wasn’t such a hard job?
Tap.
I’m going to kill him.
The adviser made his way out f his bedroom in his night robes, hair loose to spill messily about his shoulders. What the heck was going on that required his attention right this very moment?
The blue-eyed strategist marched himself to the front door and slid it open, practically throwing his head outside to glare toward his bedroom window with a loud hiss.
“What. Do you think. You are doing?!” Formalities brushed aside by the fact that he was extremely tired, dark circles and all, the adviser continued, “The sun isn’t even up and you’re going to wake up the maid!”
A Plot Between Friends - HeirofBrightTalent {SunDeng/ZhugeKe}
"Wording like that could sell a place to anyone with an eye for beauty and practicality. Perhaps you should go into real estate, instead, Yuanxun?" It was difficult to not take the opportunity to make a light-hearted comment and run with it, especially after listening to all of the thought Zhuge Ke had clearly been putting into this. How long had the older male been considering such an important move? Zigao did not figure that it had been for an extended amount of time, as his advisor always seemed to try building the foundations of plans as soon as possible, but it was sometimes difficult to tell what was going on in the man’s head. "Though I would miss you terribly."
Adopting a more relaxed stance, celadon-coloured eyes turned from his companion to look out at the land before them thoughtfully. The Crown Prince stood silent for for a few moments as he weighed his options and the possibilities for the future carefully. Of course he would never make such an important decision on the spot, but it was a matter to be closely examined upon its delivery nonetheless.
Speaking up, eyes still locked on the distance to the south, he replied, “Joking aside, you make valid points. While I cannot make a decision at this time, regardless of whether I am heir to the throne or sitting upon it myself, I have heard your words and feel that they hold true merit.” Already he felt his speech beginning to right itself as it always did when important affairs were involved. ”While no location is perfect and every one has its faults and weaknesses, I should like to compile a comprehensive report on the area for inspection. Should I come into the crown and propose such a relocation, doubtless almost every official and their mother will want a well-supported argument as to why such a move is necessary. Luckily, Lü Dai had some success in subduing the native people in Yulin, so between that and my father’s work, we may not have much to worry about with them.”
"How would you feel about taking a trip with me to personally put together such a list sometime soon?"
The shift in the man beside him did not go unnoticed, bright eyes sliding to their sides to watch him before the question was out in the air.
Ah, so that was it, was it?
A light sigh escaped the young lord, eyes closing as his head shook slowly from side to side. It was true that the past few months had been relatively free of problems, and had Deng not been painfully aware of his own state of poor fettle, he might have begun to wonder if perhaps he was finally growing out of his lifelong ailments. Last evening, however, the hopeful prince had suffered a small slip in constitution, though after retiring to an early rest he had woken feeling as renewed as ever. No one in his personal circle had been present, so he held doubts that Zhuge Ke had heard about it. Sometimes Zigao swore that his appointed advisor had an extra sense specifically aimed at knowing exactly what was going on with him.
"There isn’t any need for worry, Yuanxun. I’m fine, really. If you fret too much, you’ll be the one in need of constant looking-after, and Wu hardly needs its pillars being old and rickety before they’re truly old, hm?”
"It's not as if I would be staying here. It's my job to follow you wherever you go, stalking you in the night to make sure you don't trip over yourself and fall. Royal, grown man's baby-sitter," Ke crinkled his nose a bit, then turned to peer at the other. It had been awkward when they were younger, especially given that Yuanxun had tutored Deng when they'd been in their youth.
"Unn..." A trip? At this time of year? He would get sunburned and sticky and would most likely end up with a tiger gnashing its jaws at his throat. However, he relented quickly and only gave a simple nod of his head. The things he did for this man were unheard of most of the time.
He did, however, notice the sudden tension that entered the air between them. He could practically hear the cogs turning in Deng's head, hear the thoughts of whether he had a sixth sense bouncing off of the walls. Zigao had always had poor health and it didn't take a scientist to figure out such things. He would grow much more tired easily when he'd been sick or would flat refuse to see anyone. Not to mention the issues the man had had when they were younger...
"It's not that age that I'm worried about, your majesty," Ke replied, his tone softening significantly. "It's you not getting to that age."
A Plot Between Friends - HeirofBrightTalent {SunDeng/ZhugeKe}
"Oh, come now," Deng admonished, unrelenting in his mannerisms. "If anything is going to lead you to an early grave, it’s going to be your stubborn formalities. How long have we been friends for, now? Since I was thirteen, at any rate. No one else is around, you can relax a bit."
Drawing his arm back and tucking his hands into his sleeves, the firstborn of Sun Quan slowly let the grin on his face melt, a more thoughtful expression taking its place. ”Wuming? An interesting choice. What’s your reasoning for that particular location? Certainly some of it is obvious, but you have always been adept at probing what lies beneath the surface.”
"I am rather fond of Jianye, although its close proximity to the northern border is more than a little unsettling. A more southern location would be a wise decision, even with the land here being more than prolific in terms of our needs for resources, not to mention its aesthetic appeal. Not that how a place looks is more important than its overall safety," he quietly laughed, brows knitting together slightly. "And we cannot solely rely on the rivers and gorges to defend us forever. Able men are needed, as well, but what if something were to happen? A widespread disease? Crushing defeat that takes a good number of our able-bodied soldiers? An overall lack of capable officers? If a breach were to happen at our borders, we would need more time allotted to us to prepare our defenses than we would get being so close to the border.”
"Wuming is settled against the sea, but the mountains and terrain are choice for being well-protected. It is a beautiful location surrounded by crystalline waters and tall greenery. I've also heard the hunting is quite choice, so you'd never be bored." He hummed, shaking his head from side to side. The idea of the prince even getting to the state of boredom was a bit of a joke; he'd always find some way to occupy himself, especially if it involved bothering or annoying Yuanxun.
"Anyway," Ke cleared his throat, "Being at the Southern tip would give us the best advantage. We would have the longest amount of time to respond to an attack, not to mention that if they were too attempt an attack via the Southern Sea, we'd have more than enough time to meet them in battle without the use of the river system; I'd suggest stationing Zhou Yu's fleet near Jianye for immediate interception if it were called for." One hand moved to settle against one of the scrolls at his side, slipping it out into his grip to unfold, blue optics scanning over the writings and map designs.
"We would also be protected by the mountains and left-side province to border us from Shu Han; the indigenous peoples in that area would keep them at bay, as my uncle seems to have enough trouble getting them to settle down as it is, hmm?" There was a flash of a smile, the adviser turning to gaze upon his lord. "In any case, I truly believe that Wuming is the correct choice...."
Yuanxun's voice faded with apprehension as he rolled up his work, turning to give a glance at the younger male. He scanned him with hesitation, a saturnine heat filling his insides.
"How've you been feeling?"