The Heart of Power – The Imperial Capital
Far from the northern frontier, the city of Luoyang towered in stone, silk, and ambition. The empire's capital stood as a symbol of order—but beneath its marble walls lay shadows older than kings.
Inside the sprawling Hall of Nine Dragons, ministers argued. Noble families whispered from behind golden fans. Generals polished medals, but not swords. This was the true battlefield—where wars were won before armies even marched.
Today, one name echoed in every chamber:
"Lü Bu."
Not the outlaw.
Not the orphan.
But the builder of a city. The breaker of mercenaries. The man who had forged Zhaoling from dust.
Politics in Motion
Prime Minister Xun Yue, a silver-haired man whose words cut deeper than blades, listened silently as reports were read.
"The northern province has stabilized under an unregistered force known as 'The Iron Core' led by one Lü Bu," the eunuch read. "He now commands over 3,000 loyal men and holds defensive authority over six villages."
Whispers followed.
"Is he declaring independence?"
"Or trying to prove something?"
"The nobles of the Northern March are uneasy. Some… have requested intervention."
Xun Yue raised a hand, silencing the room.
"Lü Bu has done what our appointed governors could not. Order has returned. Trade is beginning again. Even the border tribes have pulled back from his presence. Why should that disturb us?"
A general scoffed.
"Because he was not authorized to build a city. He has not sworn loyalty. He claims no title—but his people call him General."
Xun Yue's eyes narrowed.
"Then perhaps it is time we give him a title. Or decide what price rebellion costs."
The Noble Houses Move
Across the capital, House Han, House Liang, and the cunning House Cao each held secret meetings that very night. They saw the same reports—but each saw different opportunities.
House Han, steeped in tradition, viewed Lü Bu as a dangerous variable. They wanted him removed before he upset the balance.
House Liang, whose taxes flowed less each month due to bandit activity, considered offering Lü Bu quiet support—so long as he could secure their caravans.
House Cao, led by the ambitious young lord Cao Ming, saw in Lü Bu the spark of true change… and possibly, a rival.
"He's more than a warrior," Cao Ming whispered to his advisor. "He's an idea. And ideas spread."
"Will you stop him?"
"No," he smiled. "I will watch him burn brighter—until I know whether he lights the world, or sets it ablaze."
Back in Zhaoling
Lü Bu stood atop the city's unfinished inner wall, arms folded.
The city had survived—but not without cost.
Ten soldiers buried. Dozens wounded. Families still recovering from the raid. The enemy's commander was dead, but his armor bore the insignia of a known mercenary guild… paid by coin minted in the capital.
"So they're watching," Lü Bu muttered.
Beside him, Wei Yun sharpened his blade.
"Let them watch. We build louder than they whisper."
But Lü Bu wasn't smiling. The raid hadn't been random. Someone, somewhere, had tested him. And that meant the game was changing.
🛡 System Notification
[Zhaoling Reputation Increased]
▸ Known in 4 Imperial Provinces
▸ Gained Trait: "Frontier Beacon"
— Trade routes now seek out Zhaoling automatically. Merchant reputation increased.
▸ Triggered New Questline: "The Tides of Court and Crown"
Objective: Navigate growing imperial attention while expanding influence.
Growth and Decisions
In the days that followed, Lü Bu did not rest.
Fortifications around Zhaoling were upgraded, stone by stone.
The Iron Core now trained day and night, with real blood on their blades.
A council was formed—comprised of Wei Yun, Han Jie, several village elders, and a young tactician named Lin Zhao.
"This isn't a camp anymore," Lü Bu said at their first meeting. "It's the beginning of something larger. A new power."
Han Jie looked up.
"Are we still building a city, General?"
"No," Lü Bu said. "We're building a nation."
A Mysterious Visitor
As twilight fell days later, a lone rider approached the gate.
She was cloaked in gray, her face veiled—but her words were direct.
"I bring a message… from the Prime Minister."
Wei Yun stepped forward, suspicious.
"And why send a woman alone through bandit lands?"
She smiled slightly.
"Because no one stops a shadow."
She handed Lü Bu a sealed scroll bearing the emblem of the imperial court.
He read it.
He didn't blink.
"They want me to kneel."
Wei Yun stepped closer. "What will you do?"
Lü Bu looked toward the growing city behind him. Toward the soldiers drilling in the field. Toward the smoke rising from the blacksmith's forge.
"I'll keep building. And if they want me to kneel, they can send a better army than the last one."
The rider tilted her head, curious.
"So the rumors are true. The war god has returned."
"No," Lü Bu said quietly. "He's just getting started."