A Dynasty Divided IC

[Dystopianist]

It is said that an empire long divided must unite... and that an Empire long united must divide.

There have been two-hundred years of prosperity under the Kan Dynasty. But they have ruled for two hundred and fifty, and these last fifty years have not been kind to the nation of Suikai. Natural disasters plague the land, while bandits and barbarians roam wild. The Mandate of Heaven desperately yearns for a new lineage to take the throne. Within the year, the mystics whisper, the heroes of the empire will have a chance to claim it.


Zhao Hong, General Who Commands the Earth of the Purple Wave, had intended a massive siege of the capital. But faced with harsh resistance from the forces of the Zhi family, the bandit leader has split his army into two parts; Zhao has sent his deputies, Songsun Qian and Jun Pei, traitors to the Kan, to pass through Qiang Province in a rapid strike towards the capital. The two captains have ambushed the young lord of the province and left him bedridden, poisoned.

With no choice, the emperor has ordered Imperial Army commanders Yu Lang and Jun Kai from the northern frontier to organize whatever forces are left in Qiang and intercept the Purple Wave incursion. They soon arrive at the administrative complex.

Tentative map until I find a better mapping software for my tablet, excuse my awful handwriting:
View attachment 817123
Qiang Province is territory 14. I will be cutting out numbers entirely and making better borders as part of the next draft of the map.

 

[Sylvio]

What he wouldn't give right now to go to the palace right now and curse the court for letting this happen. He had considered that with all his family had done for the Kan, his family would be the last to take the fall for the court. But then it would make sense considering the veneration of their name, there were so many officials that wanted to find a failing that they could exploit. All it took was superstition of a few natural misfortunes and soon half the court wanted Yu Lang's father executed. Now he was left responsible for restoring the honor of the Yu family in this campaign, at least formally. Informally though? He would never be taken seriously if he showed his face to the court again. But then again why would he? With his contingent of cavalry provided to him by the court, he rode through the countryside and saw the people struggling with crop failures, plagued by both the Purple Wave Bandits and the Kan Empire who have failed to provide for their people. Restoring his family's name wouldn't mean a thing if he couldn't restore the empire which frankly was impossible that at this rate.

However, Yu Lang had to throw aside his ails for the battle that was to come. He was Commandant of the Cavalry, and thus he had a responsibility as an official of the Kan and a military commander. He and his men arrived at the administrative complex of Qiang province, flying the banner of the Kan, their arrival was met with a huge welcome. "HIS MAJESTIES ARMY IS HERE!" The gatekeeper shouted before the drum sounded to announce the cavalry's arrival and opened the gates. They made their way down the road to the administrative headquarters where an official of the Qiang Administration was ready to receive them. "Ah, thank heaven his majesty as heeded our call. We are gracious receiving your aid sir." The official said bowing his head to Yu Lang. Yu Lang had dismounted and saluted the official. "Where is the administrator? I must speak to him about the situation with the bandits."

The official had bowed lower, "If you would follow me sir, a council is being held at the moment."

Yu Lang nodded in approval before speaking, "Would the administrator allow my men to camp outside and provide his provisions for them."

"Yes sir. His majesty has already given his approval before you came here."

Yu Lang then retired his men and followed the official to the administration building to meet with the council.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Wu Chunhua

Not only had the rebellion and its turmoil brought stress and hardship to the people of Qiang province, it had finally reached into the home of their lord and brought suffering to the leading family. Lord Wu Zhou laid poisoned and unresponsive after an ambush from the enemy dashed their plans of pushing back the rebellion’s presence in the province.

With her husband unable to lead and his illness downplayed in all reports, Wu Chunhua assumed command of the province with the support of the administration under her husband. So far she has managed to maintain order and safety within their cities, but against her advice the council requested aid from the emperor. Just what she needed, outsiders who might snoop around and undo all her hard work.

Standing on one of the balconies of the administrative building Chunhua watched as a massive army made their way towards her home. The empire was about to occupy her land and be a threat to her rule, if she would allow them to be. With a heavy sigh she set her eyes upon the commander of the cavalry. As he made his way inside she turned away from the beautiful view of her city and made her way downstairs.

“The empire has come to our aid, welcome Lord Yu Lang!” Chunhua’s light, seductive tone rang out over the entry hall as she descended the stairs accompanied by other members of the council. Chunhua bowed her head to the man who she had heard so many things about. “Calvary Commander suits you well.” She couldn’t restrain herself from subtly mocking Lang and smiled as she did.​