Another Chinese Induced RP Post. Enjoy.
???: "..This prosperity, these Taoists, are a hard working people. And again and again, they have shown their loyalty to the Han! Although some rumors may proclaim that they are raising their forces against us, do not believe these lies! Such good people are hard in finding a place in this world, and are finally cleaning up the tainted term of 'Taoist'. Only peace will come out of working with them, and so, peace with China shall become a reality!"
The applauding and cheering taking place, he stepped to the side of the podium and gave a humble bow, bowing low, sweeping his right arm before him. A great orator, he gave fiery speeches, raising his fist into the air to make points, slamming down both hands onto the podium to disclaim, but more importantly, it was that look in his eyes, for such a man of his age, and the youth that he held in himself. A true man of Cheng... truly, he would be missed.
Minister Shou Young of Friendly Foreign Affairs.
The Death of a Minister
Blinking, he saw before him a wall of white. Sitting up on his bed, he gave a yawn, stretching his arms before him, giving a strangled sort of relieved sound as he did, a small, but cheery whistle coming from his mouth. Slowly sidiling off his bed to the left, both hands came up to rub his eyes, as he walked into the bathroom. A rustling of leaves was heard from the window of the bedside, as a robin suddenly flew away, its chirping ceasing.
Splash.
His hands rubbed vigrously over his face, kneading into his scalp, the water running cooly through his seven inches of slowly graying hair. At a time before this, it would've been a great brown, but such were the cruelties of aging. Eyes still closed, he blindly reached for the soap bar, and began to slowly swish it around into his hands, and then, put the bar back onto its stand, when a thick lather had developed. Grinning to himself, he noted the sing-song birds again cheering the day on with their lovely song.
Song.
His grin deepened.
So that's what birds reminded him so much of. Sima Hui was such a generous and kindly man.
Quickly, his face became enveloped in the soap's froth, and took time in making a more robust mustache on his face, and then slapping it off, dunking his face in the distilled water. Cupping his hands again into the water basin, he rinsed off his face, and looked into the mirror.
He was a relatively lean man, although with a bit of a slight pot belly, but his beard was merry looking, and gave him the look of a kindly old grandpa. Strange as it was, he could still attract a girl at his age, but, never did he break his seal of virginity, nor get himself married. In the wrinkles of his face, he saw a younger man, and then gave a small laugh, as one of the servents came in, to take out the water. He was a kindly old boy, a refugee Taoist. As the young man stopped to bow, seeing that his master was still in the bathroom, he gave a small giggle.
Young Man: "Your late, Shoe-Shou!"
Minister Shou: "I'm always late, little Luong."
His hands quick, he splashed the water basin a little, making the little boy laugh again, as he too splashed back. This went on for a while until a slightly older looking girl came in. She had a look of contempt on her face. But without anyone's notice, there was a slight russle at the top of the building. The birds stopped chirping again.
???: "Look at this mess! I always have to clean up after you two."
Giving the young woman a coy smirk, he backed up a little, until he felt the towel rack, and threw it on the floor. Then, bending down, he began to dry off the floor, and then, squeezing what water he could into the basin, held it out towards the girl's hands. Taking it with a small frown, she looked at the old man and shook her head in disbelief.
Shou: "Laugh and be merry, Yu Ya, for playing is for all ages! Your brother knows this well."
Ruffling the boy's hair a little, he walked past both children, and back into his room.
That was odd. Why was his closet door still open? Nevermind, as he blindly reached for a robe to wear. It was strange... but why did he feel he was not alone? The door slammed open, and Yu Ya had again a stressed look in her eyes, making Shou look at her oddly.
Shou: "Yes, I know, I'll be there soon."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Taking his time to take in the view, he whistled, had life in his steps, and took time to say hello to strangers, farmers, peasants, and everyone else who would be willing to shake his hand, and there were many indeed. The city guards were eyeing him in particular, but shamefully broke into smile when greeted.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Corporal: "Steady, sir."
Tong said nothing. His bow was fully drawn out, his eyes locked onto Minister Shou's head. Only one release, and... d**n.
A crowd of people had come to greet him. There was no way he could make a publicity kill. The hunter squad, though slightly less competent, he noted, were far better at seeing some things, due to their veterenry skills. In all key building roofs they were making small signals to each other to mark each new location. Tang's own squad had a slightly harder time to keep up in guessing where he went, whenever he disappeared into a building, but this almost sixth sense of the hunters made for some fairly accurate guesses.
Of course, whenever he was visible, his bowmen were locked on like a hawk. The hunters always put themselves in places where they could barely see anything.
This was impossible. There was no way killing this guy would be discreet, considering how friendly he was with other people, and how they apparently flocked to him. Raising his hand into a palm, the signal was sent. Hunter and Bowmen squad could do nothing more then observe it would seem. That left Huang Gai's ingenuity and the clever little conscripts.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was much more difficult, it seemed. Huang Gai, waving off the signal from the roof top, slowly made his way for the secondary destination. Sergent Wu was also having some issues, it seemed... d**n. This task wasn't made any easier by the fact that he held this man to be in high regard. It truly was a shame, but, he this man was a thingyroach, and thus, all bets were off.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Shou: "Ah! Sergent Wu! Great to see you! How's the new family going?"
Wu: "Sir, my family's been good, sir."
Shou: "Really is a good day, the sky is so blue... tell me, do you know where the Tea Shop "Hong Tea Green" is?"
Dammit. He shook his head apologetically, as one of the conscripts behind Shou, sheathed his dagger again. Looking around, there were just too many onlookers. Bah... again shaking the man's hand, while scratching his own head, he put back on his helmet, and patted the dissappointed conscript on the shoulder. It was hard to kill a man you liked so much..
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Slowly settling himself into the side chair, he noted that the tea house was empty, except for the employee's. The wafting smell of such sugary goods and the lavendar was too enticing however, and Shou soon closed his eyes. This reminded him of when Yuan Shu and himself were so much younger.
Yuan Shu had been such a stubborn boy, but they complimented each other. He could lure people into traps, while Shou would talk their way out of fights. It was an effective way to survive the peer pressure.
Ah, there's the villian.
Huang Gai, shaking his head, smiling to himself, bowed to Shou before he sat himself across from him, noting how sturdy the table and chair was. Slowly taking the small cup to his mouth, and sipping it dry, Huang Gai then poured Shou another glass, his fingers almost slipping off the pot. Chuckling a little, Shou was the first to speak.
Shou: "Huang Gai! How are things, dear friend?"
This was uncomfortable. Laughing slightly to himself, he shook his head, scratching his side.
Huang Gai: "Oh fine, just been terribly busy as of late."
Shou: "Yuan Shu's back... certainly glad to have him home again."
Huang Gai: "Yes, it certainly is."
Shou: "So, how much longer will we put up this charade?"
Huang Gai: "I was about to ask you the same, minister."
Raising their tea cups to each other, they toasted and drank. But there was a more serious look in each other's eyes. Minister Shou chuckled to himself.
Shou: "He really wants me dead, doesn't he?"
Huang Gai: "It's nothing personal."
Shou: "I take it he's enacting the oath I made to him so long ago?"
Huang Gai: "Yes."
Shou: "You'll give me time to write a will, at least, though, correct?"
Huang Gai: "It's already been arranged. Those 'servant children' have been named your heirs. I'll personally make sure they stay alright."
Shou: "Glad to hear it."
He shook his head, but noted that Huang Gai didn't look warm anymore.
Shou: "Those squads you sent after me are lacking in discreetness. Please tell me you actually took into account that I would look at the roof tops? I always do, whether to check the clouds or the..."
Huang Gai: "Apparently not them. Those new bowmen still need to learn a trick or two about hiding."
Shou: "I see. Those conscripts too, one of them lacked the common courtesy to have a dagger bound in cloth."
Huang Gai: "Conscripts will be conscripts, I'm afraid, no matter how experianced they are."
Lightly, his hands swiveled in the remains of the tea pot. The smile was gone, but the life in his eyes was still there.
Shou: "So, which cup was it in?"
Huang Gai: "Sharp as ever."
Shou: "You have to be when your dealing with foreign countries."
Huang Gai: "It's a good thing I'm not a diplomat then. (grin)"
Shou: "(Laughing) Yes, I suppose not."
Huang Gai: "It was the second cup."
Shou: "Your out of practice then. You almost slipped. But at least you were courteous enough to let me enjoy a drink of my own. Prefilled, prefilled, always the gentlemen, aren't you?"
Huang Gai: "I'm afraid so."
Shou: "... So, when will it take effect?"
Huang Gai: "30 seconds ago."
Shou: "Painless?"
Huang Gai: "Only for you, my friend."
Shou: "Please, take me outside. My left leg's fallen asleep."
Nodding, he went over to Shou, and took him up, putting the minister's arm around his neck, slowly walking him outside. He turned his face to Huang Gai and smiled again. For the time his foot was asleep, he knew it would never wake up again.
Shou: "I live every day like it was my last. You know that?"
Huang Gai: "Those songian refugee children would be proud to know how selfless you are."
Shou: "Always the gentlemen. Well, my sight is fading."
Huang Gai: "I see... forgive me."
Shou: "Why are you crying? Tell Yuan Shu I said... 'hi'."
Huang Gai: "... Yes... of course."
Shou: "Come now, your getting my sleeve all wet. Death is only the next step to eternity."
Huang Gai: "I'll never forget you, minister."
Shou smiled on reflex, but the life in his eyes had already vanished. Taking the man before him, Huang Gai ceremoniously went into the alley, slowly to disappear away, out of sight, a trail of tears behind. So graceful and accepting, even in the face of death. His eyes shut on their own, bless his soul.
The applauding and cheering taking place, he stepped to the side of the podium and gave a humble bow, bowing low, sweeping his right arm before him. A great orator, he gave fiery speeches, raising his fist into the air to make points, slamming down both hands onto the podium to disclaim, but more importantly, it was that look in his eyes, for such a man of his age, and the youth that he held in himself. A true man of Cheng... truly, he would be missed.
Minister Shou Young of Friendly Foreign Affairs.
The Death of a Minister
Blinking, he saw before him a wall of white. Sitting up on his bed, he gave a yawn, stretching his arms before him, giving a strangled sort of relieved sound as he did, a small, but cheery whistle coming from his mouth. Slowly sidiling off his bed to the left, both hands came up to rub his eyes, as he walked into the bathroom. A rustling of leaves was heard from the window of the bedside, as a robin suddenly flew away, its chirping ceasing.
Splash.
His hands rubbed vigrously over his face, kneading into his scalp, the water running cooly through his seven inches of slowly graying hair. At a time before this, it would've been a great brown, but such were the cruelties of aging. Eyes still closed, he blindly reached for the soap bar, and began to slowly swish it around into his hands, and then, put the bar back onto its stand, when a thick lather had developed. Grinning to himself, he noted the sing-song birds again cheering the day on with their lovely song.
Song.
His grin deepened.
So that's what birds reminded him so much of. Sima Hui was such a generous and kindly man.
Quickly, his face became enveloped in the soap's froth, and took time in making a more robust mustache on his face, and then slapping it off, dunking his face in the distilled water. Cupping his hands again into the water basin, he rinsed off his face, and looked into the mirror.
He was a relatively lean man, although with a bit of a slight pot belly, but his beard was merry looking, and gave him the look of a kindly old grandpa. Strange as it was, he could still attract a girl at his age, but, never did he break his seal of virginity, nor get himself married. In the wrinkles of his face, he saw a younger man, and then gave a small laugh, as one of the servents came in, to take out the water. He was a kindly old boy, a refugee Taoist. As the young man stopped to bow, seeing that his master was still in the bathroom, he gave a small giggle.
Young Man: "Your late, Shoe-Shou!"
Minister Shou: "I'm always late, little Luong."
His hands quick, he splashed the water basin a little, making the little boy laugh again, as he too splashed back. This went on for a while until a slightly older looking girl came in. She had a look of contempt on her face. But without anyone's notice, there was a slight russle at the top of the building. The birds stopped chirping again.
???: "Look at this mess! I always have to clean up after you two."
Giving the young woman a coy smirk, he backed up a little, until he felt the towel rack, and threw it on the floor. Then, bending down, he began to dry off the floor, and then, squeezing what water he could into the basin, held it out towards the girl's hands. Taking it with a small frown, she looked at the old man and shook her head in disbelief.
Shou: "Laugh and be merry, Yu Ya, for playing is for all ages! Your brother knows this well."
Ruffling the boy's hair a little, he walked past both children, and back into his room.
That was odd. Why was his closet door still open? Nevermind, as he blindly reached for a robe to wear. It was strange... but why did he feel he was not alone? The door slammed open, and Yu Ya had again a stressed look in her eyes, making Shou look at her oddly.
Shou: "Yes, I know, I'll be there soon."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Taking his time to take in the view, he whistled, had life in his steps, and took time to say hello to strangers, farmers, peasants, and everyone else who would be willing to shake his hand, and there were many indeed. The city guards were eyeing him in particular, but shamefully broke into smile when greeted.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Corporal: "Steady, sir."
Tong said nothing. His bow was fully drawn out, his eyes locked onto Minister Shou's head. Only one release, and... d**n.
A crowd of people had come to greet him. There was no way he could make a publicity kill. The hunter squad, though slightly less competent, he noted, were far better at seeing some things, due to their veterenry skills. In all key building roofs they were making small signals to each other to mark each new location. Tang's own squad had a slightly harder time to keep up in guessing where he went, whenever he disappeared into a building, but this almost sixth sense of the hunters made for some fairly accurate guesses.
Of course, whenever he was visible, his bowmen were locked on like a hawk. The hunters always put themselves in places where they could barely see anything.
This was impossible. There was no way killing this guy would be discreet, considering how friendly he was with other people, and how they apparently flocked to him. Raising his hand into a palm, the signal was sent. Hunter and Bowmen squad could do nothing more then observe it would seem. That left Huang Gai's ingenuity and the clever little conscripts.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was much more difficult, it seemed. Huang Gai, waving off the signal from the roof top, slowly made his way for the secondary destination. Sergent Wu was also having some issues, it seemed... d**n. This task wasn't made any easier by the fact that he held this man to be in high regard. It truly was a shame, but, he this man was a thingyroach, and thus, all bets were off.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Shou: "Ah! Sergent Wu! Great to see you! How's the new family going?"
Wu: "Sir, my family's been good, sir."
Shou: "Really is a good day, the sky is so blue... tell me, do you know where the Tea Shop "Hong Tea Green" is?"
Dammit. He shook his head apologetically, as one of the conscripts behind Shou, sheathed his dagger again. Looking around, there were just too many onlookers. Bah... again shaking the man's hand, while scratching his own head, he put back on his helmet, and patted the dissappointed conscript on the shoulder. It was hard to kill a man you liked so much..
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Slowly settling himself into the side chair, he noted that the tea house was empty, except for the employee's. The wafting smell of such sugary goods and the lavendar was too enticing however, and Shou soon closed his eyes. This reminded him of when Yuan Shu and himself were so much younger.
Yuan Shu had been such a stubborn boy, but they complimented each other. He could lure people into traps, while Shou would talk their way out of fights. It was an effective way to survive the peer pressure.
Ah, there's the villian.
Huang Gai, shaking his head, smiling to himself, bowed to Shou before he sat himself across from him, noting how sturdy the table and chair was. Slowly taking the small cup to his mouth, and sipping it dry, Huang Gai then poured Shou another glass, his fingers almost slipping off the pot. Chuckling a little, Shou was the first to speak.
Shou: "Huang Gai! How are things, dear friend?"
This was uncomfortable. Laughing slightly to himself, he shook his head, scratching his side.
Huang Gai: "Oh fine, just been terribly busy as of late."
Shou: "Yuan Shu's back... certainly glad to have him home again."
Huang Gai: "Yes, it certainly is."
Shou: "So, how much longer will we put up this charade?"
Huang Gai: "I was about to ask you the same, minister."
Raising their tea cups to each other, they toasted and drank. But there was a more serious look in each other's eyes. Minister Shou chuckled to himself.
Shou: "He really wants me dead, doesn't he?"
Huang Gai: "It's nothing personal."
Shou: "I take it he's enacting the oath I made to him so long ago?"
Huang Gai: "Yes."
Shou: "You'll give me time to write a will, at least, though, correct?"
Huang Gai: "It's already been arranged. Those 'servant children' have been named your heirs. I'll personally make sure they stay alright."
Shou: "Glad to hear it."
He shook his head, but noted that Huang Gai didn't look warm anymore.
Shou: "Those squads you sent after me are lacking in discreetness. Please tell me you actually took into account that I would look at the roof tops? I always do, whether to check the clouds or the..."
Huang Gai: "Apparently not them. Those new bowmen still need to learn a trick or two about hiding."
Shou: "I see. Those conscripts too, one of them lacked the common courtesy to have a dagger bound in cloth."
Huang Gai: "Conscripts will be conscripts, I'm afraid, no matter how experianced they are."
Lightly, his hands swiveled in the remains of the tea pot. The smile was gone, but the life in his eyes was still there.
Shou: "So, which cup was it in?"
Huang Gai: "Sharp as ever."
Shou: "You have to be when your dealing with foreign countries."
Huang Gai: "It's a good thing I'm not a diplomat then. (grin)"
Shou: "(Laughing) Yes, I suppose not."
Huang Gai: "It was the second cup."
Shou: "Your out of practice then. You almost slipped. But at least you were courteous enough to let me enjoy a drink of my own. Prefilled, prefilled, always the gentlemen, aren't you?"
Huang Gai: "I'm afraid so."
Shou: "... So, when will it take effect?"
Huang Gai: "30 seconds ago."
Shou: "Painless?"
Huang Gai: "Only for you, my friend."
Shou: "Please, take me outside. My left leg's fallen asleep."
Nodding, he went over to Shou, and took him up, putting the minister's arm around his neck, slowly walking him outside. He turned his face to Huang Gai and smiled again. For the time his foot was asleep, he knew it would never wake up again.
Shou: "I live every day like it was my last. You know that?"
Huang Gai: "Those songian refugee children would be proud to know how selfless you are."
Shou: "Always the gentlemen. Well, my sight is fading."
Huang Gai: "I see... forgive me."
Shou: "Why are you crying? Tell Yuan Shu I said... 'hi'."
Huang Gai: "... Yes... of course."
Shou: "Come now, your getting my sleeve all wet. Death is only the next step to eternity."
Huang Gai: "I'll never forget you, minister."
Shou smiled on reflex, but the life in his eyes had already vanished. Taking the man before him, Huang Gai ceremoniously went into the alley, slowly to disappear away, out of sight, a trail of tears behind. So graceful and accepting, even in the face of death. His eyes shut on their own, bless his soul.