In Progress Ravages of the Three Kingdoms XIII: Ningen's Dorama Part 2

[RK47]

214 - The Fuse is lit

Spoiler

Cao Zhi, I've brought more wine.

Give it here! My, I did not expect a return visit so soon!

Well, I've changed jobs. Somewhere closer to Hongnong.

Oh? That is good. Perhaps one day I'll come and visit you instead! Where are you working at now?

Jincheng.

Isn't that city unclaimed after my father drove away Ma Chao?

Yes, I'm its new ruler and I've come to request a favor.

Ha! Father must be furious!

Then, will you help me?

What are friends for? Give it here!

You better move quickly to find more endorsements, father's army is already laying siege to Hanzhong!

Yeah, I better do that. (Damn, Master Sima must've been deployed out there. I have to find someone else for this endorsement!)

 

[RK47]

215 - Persistence

Spoiler

Sir, please. This is so sudden.

I apologize, but I have nowhere else to turn and I am very desperate.

Please, calm down, have a seat. Let us chat over a bowl of tea...

Thank you! Lady Guo is peerless in beauty and generosity!

A good deed deserves another in kind. Best of luck with your negotiations, Mister Steve.

I'm so close! I just have to find someone... Anyone to sign this one more time! HEY IS THERE ANYONE HERE WHO SERVE LORD CAO CAO?

Keep it down, I'm trying to have a nice meal here!

What the hell? Really?

Yeah, on one condition: you must write a letter of endorsement for me to Lord Cao Cao.

Well? Do I have an agreement?

Innkeep, pass me a pen and parchment!

Thank you! You will not regret it!

Just who the hell is that guy?

Cao Zhi? Guo Shi? What in the world? And some random loafer from my army?

Are those satisfactory?

I should tell Zijian to choose his friends better, but he never listens. And Zihuan, always getting pursuing women! Pah!

My Lord?

Oh shut up, you. Humour this old man. Fine, Steve. Take your two years of truce. I'll be watching you! One false move... *makes a cutting throat motion*

Later that month, Steve's Army conquered Wuwei unchallenged.

 

[Corporate_Jew_Master]

what are you gonna do for officers though

 

[RK47]

216 - Seeking Swords

Spoiler

(With the truce, Cao Cao can no longer meddle in my territory. But the same goes for me too. It's a pity I can only convert one village to my cause.)

What are you thinking lah?

I'm just annoyed cause I have no more officers under me. With Uncle Leong overseeing matters in Wuwei, it's just you and me.

It doesn't have to be that way. Have you tried looking for talent?

Hmm. I might just do that.

You seem like a tough warrior, would you like to serve under me?

What's in it for me?

I have this jeweled blade.

Mmm, it's a start. Where do I begin?

Report to the city hall. And what's your name?

I am Wang Ping. You can count on my steadfast defense, my lord!

(Uncle Omega is right! I must keep looking!)

You, would you like to join my army?

You two, begin training and patrolling the streets. I want Jincheng to be ready for war within 2 years!

I'll keep searching!

(What a brutish warrior! The perfect bodyguard!) Hey you! I need a bodyguard!

And your name?

I be Wu Tugu! My axe shall slash down all your enemies!

Report to the city hall for your assignment!

Steve! I've returned from Wuwei. The people have sworn complete fealty to you and ready to march at any time!

Well done. I'll leave all military matters to you.

You've gathered quite a number of officers here, but be sure to keep an eye on their loyalty. Especially that Wu Tugu fellow.

Count on it.

 

[RK47]

217 - Knights of Jincheng

Spoiler

Interested in fortune telling? I foresee so many deaths and chaos caused by you. Hee hee hee...

Your name?

Dousi Dawan. I am a shaman of the Nanman tribe.

This chaotic future you see, do you play a part in it?

Good.

And so, in the following months... Steve grew closer and closer to his retainers. A period of hyperactivity passes thru Jincheng and Wuwei.

More men came to serve.

From now on, you will forever fight by my side and protect me from harm in the battlefield!

The honor is mine, Lord Steve!

And eventually, all that work comes to fruition.

Excellent.

All of you. We've worked so hard the past two years to build up to this very moment.

Hear, hear!

Next month, things will change. There will be no turning back. Comrades! Are you with me?!

My body is ready!

Give us your command and we shall attack!

General Leong! Dousi! You two shall proceed to Wuwei and march the entire garrison to Jincheng!

At once!

The entire kingdom shall bear witness to our valor!

Glory to Shi Difu's Army! No retreat! No surrender!

 

[RK47]

218 - Death and Rise

Spoiler

Hmm? The truce has passed? Why hasn't Steve come here to renew it?

I'm sure it's only a matter of time... To fight us would be suicidal. Jincheng and Wuwei can only muster 50,000 men at most.

How many do we have?

My lord, surely you jest! We have over a million! And some of the best generals this kingdom has ever seen! There is nothing to fear!

Report! The village of Pingxiang has switched loyalties to Shi Difu of Jincheng!

Huh?

Pingxiang? Isn't that...

Hells. He's coming. He's coming for me. Sima Yi, I- urk!

My lord!? My lord?!

Cao Cao is dead?

Is this not good news, dear nephew?

Perhaps. Perhaps not. We'll never know. Ready my warriors.

Yes! Now! We fight the Emperor!

Cao Mengde, I hope you've prepared your son well. For I'm about to unleash hell!

 

[RK47]

219 - Hell Riders

Spoiler

They're mobilizing towards Liu Bei's territory.

This is our chance!

 

[RK47]

220 - Lightning Strike and Return

Spoiler

My lord, Tianshui still has men to spare!

More men? Omega, Wang Ping! Take command of 6,000 archers each! Send your current units home!

Commander, we're ready!

60,000 men. Yes. The momentum is with us!

Where to strike now?

Shall we raid nearby Wudou?

No, it's going to take too much time fighting thru the defenders. Anding on the other hand is vulnerable.

While Jia Xu's away marching south, we will raid Anding!

We march!

We don't have much time! They're probably marching towards Tianshui as we speak! Finish this quickly!

 

[RK47]

221 - Gratitude

Spoiler

Were you hurt?

No, I surrendered when your men surrounded me.

Listen, I'm going to release you and Cao Xiu. Please put in a good word for me to Master Pi.

I shall try my best.

Seeking leverage already?

We've raided two cities and seized two years worth of taxes and harvest. I consider that a huge success.

What about the rest of these prisoners?

Give them time to rethink their loyalties. Who knows? We could use more able men.

Where are you going?

I'll start the negotiations with Cao Pi.

Good luck.

My father warned me about you. Why should I listen to you now?

I've shown mercy to Lady Guo and your cousin, Cao Xiu. Would Your Highness not repay that gesture?

Hmph. Your General has slain my sister, Cao Jie! But consider yourself lucky that Lady Guo has not come to harm.

Your Highness is both gracious and wise.

Begone, I've a country to rule over.

Months later...

(We pushed so far into Liu Bei's territory, but to think we have a new front to worry about...)

Advisor Sima, bad news. They've persuaded the three villages around Tianshui to change sides!

W-what?! But how? So quickly too!

When they lowered our standards at Anding, the village chiefs of Jieting, Sanshui and Chengji wasted no time to declare their independence! I'm afraid those fools were no match for Shi Difu's haughty words!

Nothing can be done now, the truce stops us from meddling on each other's territories. Sigh. This war is far from over.

 

[RK47]

222 - Change the Rules

Spoiler

What's this I hear? A prisoner escaped?

One of our guards got careless. Don't worry, Ah Leong found a replacement.

Hmph, we still can't recruit the remaining prisoners?

You need to understand, Steve. They're servants of the Emperor! It's not that easy.

I see. Begin the council!

Send these orders to Uncle Leong, I want Wuwei to be fully ready for deployment within a few months time.

Right away, sir!

As for the remaining prisoners...

Execute them all.

Wait- why?!

You said it yourself, their loyalty is unshakable. I don't need any more goodwill at the moment. Carry out my orders!

Right away!

Emperor's Palace

They've been executed?!

It seems to be a retaliation for Yang Ren's escape. Regrettable.

This upstart needs to be put in his place soon. Any signs of mobilization from his end?

Impossible. Where else can he go? Breaking the truce would only lead to destruction. Rest easy, we've captured the gateway to Bashu. The land of Shu will soon be ours.

Yes, I shall finish my father's dream of conquest!

Report from Zitong! Jia Xu reports an unknown force of 85,000 cavalry is marching thru its borders bearing a truce!

Huh?! Under whose banner?

No. Impossible!

Meanwhile in Zitong...

Unfuckingbelievable.

 

[RK47]

223 - Driven by Hunger

Spoiler

They're engaging Liu Bei's Army. What do we do?! Are they our allies?

 

[RK47]

224 - The Decline of Shu

Spoiler

Good. More titles for you all and increased troop command.

May I ask if we seek to conquer the rest of Shu?

Nay, it's impossible to cover so much ground with the limited time we have.

Yuesui is already a chore to defend from Liu Bei's constant attacks. We cannot afford any more delays.

Then, Jiangzhou is next?

Yes. Once that city is taken, I shall convince Liu Bei to accept a truce.

Best of luck.

 

[RK47]

225 - Arms extended

Spoiler

And with that, Shi Difu's Army holdings doubled to six cities around Xiliang and Bashu.

Omega, release the prisoners.

Uh? Why?

All part of the plan.

Insolence! You have the nerve to seize three of my cities and now you wish to ally with me?

My intentions remain the same: defeat Cao's Army. In order to do so, I have to seize a power base. Many years ago, your lordship suffers from the same fate and thus have to borrow Jing province.

That may be true, but...

Hah! Is that so?

Do you doubt my sincerity?

It's true, Ma Liang.

Do not be fooled!

I welcome the challenge.

I've released all the prisoners, even the famed Ma Chao the Splendid. Is that not proof of my sincerity?

A fate that need not occur had you not invaded us!

(He's good. I might lose...)

Have confidence and remain steadfast. Steady and sure wins the day!

(Right, I must press the attack!) I've watched your defenses falter, first Hanzhong, Zitong and eventually the rest of Shu will fall were it not for me.

Had you attacked Wei before Shu is under siege, this would not be the case!

Ma Liang, it appears both Shu and you only know how to play one game: a losing defense!

How dare you!

Am I not right?

Enough. You've proven your point, Shi Difu. This court session is over.

Then... the alliance is?

You must convince more of my men before I give this matter some consideration. That is all.

 

[RK47]

226 - A Necessary Alliance

Spoiler

It is no trouble.

Perhaps it is the best time to mend our relations, would you care to join me for some tea?

If the Imperial Uncle insists.

Master Shi, I've heard your proposal and I wonder: how would it work? Your kingdom is now divided into two: Xiliang and Bashu. Where would you strike Cao Cao from?

Master Liu need not worry, when the time comes all will be revealed. But to arrive at that moment would require your cooperation.

Most curious. What benefit would I gain from all this?

Why, the ability to focus on a single front of course! With Chengdou under our control, Cao Pi's Army cannot freely invade from the north anymore. You can now focus on defending Jing.

Mmmmm.

I'm afraid that's all I can say for now. The tea was good. I must now go and convince your generals to endorse this proposal.

So this is the famed Hero of Changban. I am honored.

Thank you, but I'm afraid my deeds could not match those expectations.

General Zhao, I'm so glad you've invited me. For I'm in need of your help.

Is this about the alliance proposal?

Indeed.

I am not well-versed in ways of the court and diplomacy. My place is in the battlefield, so I must ask: How will this help us in the battlefield?

Your army needs time to recover. Wei may be strong, but they can't deal with both of us at the same time.

(I only need one more.) Well, well, well...who is this child accompanied by so many attendants?

Good sir, may I know your name?

I'm Liu Shan, son of Liu Bei.

(How sad.) Master Liu, would you be willing to endorse an alliance between our two forces? Your father would be quite pleased.

W-what? Me? B-but father told me I shouldn't rush things if I'm not ready and-

Your father wants this. Would you deny his request?

Please tell father than Liu Shan did his best!

Later...

Liu Shan wrote this? I can scarcely -

It is his handwriting, is it not?

For him to take interests in politics... Oh, yes. The alliance...

 

[RK47]

227 - No time to cry

Spoiler

Only four months of truce remain with Cao Pi. I must rush this preparation.

Unable to advance towards Shu, the Wei Army turns towards Sun Quan.

Months later, tragedy struck the kingdom of Shu.

Another hero has fallen. Shall we send a representative to attend the wake?

There is no need, we have more important things to do.

Oh, silly me! I must be getting old.

Distribute the new titles and order the officers to prepare for march.

It shall be done!

Damn, Cao Pi is making his move towards Jing. We mustn't fall behind!

 

[RK47]

228 - The Force marches on

Spoiler

Omega gave his best.

I know, but he wants us to keep pressing forward. Time is not on our side.

Commander, Xu Shu's force numbering 40,000 is attempting to reinforce Zitong. Do we stop him or let him pass?

We can't risk an extended encounter. Let them pass and intercept Cao Ren's army. Inform Sun Huan to proceed to siege Jiameng Gate once Zitong falls.

Understood.

 

[RK47]

229 - Open the Gate

Spoiler

Cao Pi's army is massing at Hanzhong, do we return to Wudou?

No, take Jiameng Gate and use it as a defensive point!

 

[RK47]

230 - Underestimated

Spoiler

Wudou's taken? We'll never break through that many.

Darkness is upon us, comrades.

We can still disperse and mount another offensive!

And what guarantee do we have that Cao Pi's army will stop at Wudou?

Commander, perhaps it's time for a truce?

We march to Zitong and resupply.

A week passes...

So, what's our next move? We can't keep deploying like this, they have more provisions than us.

Stop me if this sounds stupid, but I'm about to do something unexpected.

I like crazy, Commander. Let it out.

We'll march thru Jiangzhou, and borrow supplies from Liu Shan's Yongan and strike at Jing with this army!

T-that's absurd! What if they take Xiliang while we're away? Our riders would return to their hometowns and abandon us immediately!

It's a chance I'm willing to take. We must force them to think we've given up on Wudou.

What if you're wrong, Commander?

I'll dismiss Uncle Leong from my service to spare his neck and pledge my service under Wei.

Sounds good to me. Gentlemen, pack your things. We're marching east!

A few days of march, the army approaches Langzhong, a small village just east of Zitong.

We should really claim this village after this war is over.

That is, if Zitong is still ours...

Commander! Come quick! HURRY!

What is it?

News from Wudou! Cao Pi's army has dispersed and moved towards Jing!

AHAHAHHAAH! MEN! WE RETURN TO WUDOU!

Crazy bastard.

 

[RK47]

231 - Strike and Return

Spoiler

Marvelous work, gentlemen!

I've reports from the south, they're en route to Zitong.

Then we must blockade all of their forces outside Yangping.

A small force of 7,500 is preparing to attack Wudou.

Hmm. Use this opportunity to heal the wounded, then march south. Quickly now!

They've almost taken Jiameng gate, more armies are massing at Hanzhong.

They must be pissed.

Can you blame them? Did you see the amount of gold and provision we seized from Wudou's stores? Enough to feed our entire army for four months!

I thought we emptied it before?

Yes, and they filled it back up again!

AHAHAHHA! Resupply and move out!

No time for doubts. Sun Huan, take a small detachment, retake Jiameng Gate and stop them from taking Zitong!

Yes, sir!

The rest of you, defend Wudou!

 

[abnaxus]

 

[RK47]

232 - The Cowardly Way Out

Spoiler

We've captured Cao Pi's wife? Again?

This is good. With this, we can...

This is quite degenerate isn't it?

This battle's gone past the point of degenerate by now, kid. Cao Pi has more relatives than we have generals.

We don't have a choice, huh?

I already told you, you should've taken the easy way out.

You mean the cowardly way out. Serving Cao Cao and betraying him is just what my father would've done!

He won.

So am I! Well, in the process of-

Just do what you have to do.

With this, the negotiations will go smoothly.

Cao Pi's army is still en route, you better move fast.

Do not engage unless you have to. I'll return as soon as I can.

We'll hold the fort. Don't worry.

 

[Corporate_Jew_Master]

guo shi is qt as fuck

 

[RK47]

233 - The Final Rest

Spoiler

They've stopped attacking? Then he's done it!

Raise your weapons and cheer! We've done the impossible once again!

Another 24 months of training and we'll be back to bloodying each other again.

What are you talking about, Master Sima? I'm not that great.

Nonsense, you've humbled our kingdom. The western generals were utterly humiliated.

Well, then I apologize.

Shi Difu, I will truthfully speak from one scholar to another: you've won my admiration and respect. Please honor me with a debate.

Then I shall give you a chance to humble me.

(It's time for me to lay claim to some of that fame!) Hahah, you're already so humble!

(What absurdity! How am I going to live this down?!)

It was exciting, Master Sima.

Oh, please Master Sima. I do not even know who they are.

HAHAHAHAH! You cheeky brat! I would be honored if you count me as one of your friends from now on.

And I, the same.

I have to leave now, I can't be away from my kingdom too long.

Safe journeys, friend.

(If I were Cao Pi, I'd tear that truce apart, realm's hatred be damned. But this brat almost makes me wish I was in his shoes...)

Will that be all, Master?

You're sure the recipes in this book will extend's a person's lifespan?

I swear it on my granny's grave, Master!

Then I'll take it. And the horse too.

My lord, we do not have enough money?

Eh? Are you kidding? Inform the city's treasury that I'm going on an extensive agricultural expedition and release the funds.

But-

I AM THE LORD OF MY REALM! IF I DO NOT HAVE FULL ACCESS TO MY TREASURY THEN WHAT RIGHT DO I HAVE TO CALL IT MY OWN TREASURY?

I- uh, very well.

Here, all 7,900 coins.

A thousand thanks! You will not regret this!

Now, you.

Yes?

I hereby declare the expedition cancelled.

B-but the money?

They were stolen by bandits while I was away in Cao Pi's realm. Now let's head back.

Yes, right away!