Wu Chen's Audience Hall - Handan

[Ashikaga]

Radical Dreamer

Wu Chen nodded in agreement, he too thought the lord in Dai must be quickly suppressed. He thought of it, if Huo could truly summon such a force to his assistance, then having him in northern Wei would be most suitable. "Yes, position yourself to take that city in preparations to move into Dai. If we can eliminate enemies in the north, then would could gather resources while having all our troops in the south. I would like to see you one day take Di in my name and aid in the campaign east."

Kuai Wei

Wu Chen smiled at the offer and gestured for a servant to take the gold. Once the transaction once completed, Wu Chen looked back to the guest, "Your tribute is most generous. I do not wish to have to come to blows with you, so please consider my offer. Do not force Lu Ying to do battle with you, I believe you could be a valuable ally to my cause."

[Radical Dreamer]

Gao bowed with a soft smile on his lips. "Of course, my lord. My own force should be up to eight hundred loyal men, commanded by two of the most capable generals in this entire age. The mercenary force I wish to hire is under the command of a General Zhang Xianzhong. According to his last letter, he should be in the area this month and ready to serve. Although his force shall not be needed to take the city, I will direct him to my King's court to discuss his place in a concerted effort to suppress Dai."

"I hesitate to ask, but I must. If the court could spare a few hundred tales of gold and some fresh supplies for the soldiers, I would ask for them. We need weapons for the generals and books for my lieutenants. If my King could spare such things, that is."

[Kuai Wei]

Radical Dreamer
Kuai Wei

Wu Chen smiled at the offer and gestured for a servant to take the gold. Once the transaction once completed, Wu Chen looked back to the guest, "Your tribute is most generous. I do not wish to have to come to blows with you, so please consider my offer. Do not force Lu Ying to do battle with you, I believe you could be a valuable ally to my cause."

"I will not fan the flames of war, but I will stand up for myself or my allies if it is necessary to do so. I thank you for your time, lord Wu Chen. I will seek out Lu Ying now, but I will keep in mind the words you have spoken to me... Farewell, Wu Chen." With that, Kuai gave yet another bow and exited the audience hall, retrieving his weapon from the guard as he did so.

[Wokimo]

Cai Xingzhe noted that his ends had been alrgely achieved in this meeting and the subject of conversation had moved on with pace, to matters of state outside Zhao and Jibei. Hua Gao's request for money and arms to accelerate the advance North came as little surprise in light of Wu Chen's seemingly boundless generosity. If the request could be met then, at least in Haoqi's opinion, it would be met and this was acceptable to him. Perhaps later Wu Chen's giving nature would need to be curbed, lest he give a yet unknown tiger wings.

"My king, perhaps the Donga garrison might be able to spare Lord Hua what he needs to carry out your designs, once it is liberated from its current Prefect." he chimed in, keen to repay the debt owed to the Zhao noble and quite happy to do it at Lu Ying's expense. "Prefect Lu, with most of Jibei at her disposal, would not miss the small number of things required by Hua Gao anyway."

[Brother Dun]

Wu Chen nodded taking in the information and changing gear with his train of thought. Taking a moment to consider his next question, Wu Chen paused. He thought of one and continued. "You prefer the shadows, orchestrating the greatest plots in the darkest secrecy. Interesting, perhaps then I should ask how would you like to help to forge the greatest kingdom the north has ever seen?"

Wu Chen thought this next question would appeal to him.

The scholar thought for a moment about the King's next question. He knew what the King was thinking, or at least what he thought the King wanted to hear. However, perhaps he would go above and beyond in this case, "The greatest kingdom the north had ever seen? That would not do... No, that would not do at all," he said, giving a worried pause.

"Why stop at just the north," he said, with a questioning smirk, his worried tone completely gone, "My home that I love, oh so much, is in Yue. Any great kingdom that I would be the architect of would stretch from Yan to Yue, from Yue to Yong if necessary! The Qin proved it could be done, they simply failed in managing it. The Qin angered the Heavens with their audacity. The 'First Emperor' not only angered the Heavens, he challenged them. He claimed to be a part of them, their equal, their 'son.' As such, the Heavens humbled him, destroyed him and everything he built. And in doing so, they have left a great void... One that can be filled by a more... humble King," he said, putting a sharp emphasis on King.

[Unchained Phoenix]

The man simply sighed as he viewed the fortifications of Handan, regarding them as remarkable impressive. They were so impressive, in fact, that it was almost depressing. His aura was that of a stoic nature as he traversed the perpendicular streets of the Zhao capital, not paying anyone any mind as there was only one objective on his mind. Eventually, he reached the entrance to the main building, not trespassing or skipping over any impositions on the way. Bowing first, he addressed the guards: "I am here to speak to the King, hailing from the city of Shangdang. This visit is for diplomatic purposes," he said flatly, extending his arms to show that he would consent to a search.

[Wokimo]

Wu Chen's Palace, Zhao, 209BC

Outside the main gates of the palace, a horse-drawn palanquin and a detachment of soldiers sent to guard it came to a halt. The small procession had travelled afar under the banners of the newly empowered District manager of Donga, Cai Xingzhe, and it was he who emerged from the palanquin when the bambo screen was lifted. He was tastefully dressed but far from flashy in his choice of outfit, giving just enough indication of his status but not being conceited about it.

"I am Cai Xingzhe, District Manager of Donga. Please inform His Highness that I am here and await an audience at his leisure." he informed the guards.

[Ashikaga]

Radical Dreamer

Wu Chen considered the request, nodding he said, "You have but a few soldiers. Take this 50 gold and buy with it what you can."

Wu Chen gestured to a court aide and whispered to him. The man left and returned with a small pouch carrying coins of a value equal to 50 Gold pieces.

50 Gold Given to Hua Gao should he accept it!

Kuai Wei

Wu Chen nodded, "Go and speak with Lu Ying." Wu Chen said dismissing the man.

Wokimo

Wu Chen smiled broadly, yes, this man truly knew how to get on Wu Chen's good side. Perhaps he would turn out as loyal and worth while as he seemed. "Excellent! Carry out the plan post haste my friend. We may move on after things have been put in place."

Brother Dun

Wu Chen nodded and smiled with glee. It seemed that recently things were going his way and he always had reason to be happy. "Ah yes, you see things my way then. I was merely stating the beginning of my plans, however you can see to the end. Yes a great kingdom across the land. If only you could help me accomplish it?"

Unchained Phoenix

The guards searched him and removed what items they might have deemed weaponly then escorted the man into the king's presence. Wu Chen was milling over some papers, but quickly stopped when he realized he had company.

"My Lord, you have company from the city of Shangdang." The guard said and then left the room.

Wu Chen turned his attention to the man and said, "Welcome my friend. What can I do for you?"

Wokimo Again!

The guards quickly escorted the man through the palace to the king's presence, not taking time with the usual search. When they entered, the captain announced the esteemed guest. "My lord, Lord Cai is here."

Wu Chen became excited for he knew what Cai had recently accomplished.

"Lord Cai, what new have you?"

[Sorry guys for the late response, was busy all of last week.]

[Lurking Tyranny]

Several riders come in the dark of night to the very gates of the Palace. They do not seek entry, but stealth was the reason for the unlit ride. One of the riders, the strongest of the number, hurls a heavy sack at the gates, which at the knot which holds it sealed is a scroll.

Come morning the men would find the scroll reads:

Such is the fate of all traitors. Soon you will join your family.

Inside the heavy sack is eight bloody heads of various sizes, though all the features are still quite recognizable, despite the grimaces of pain that permanentely etch their features. They are the heads of Wu Chen's father, his uncle and that man's son. The head of Wu Chen's wife, his two daughters, his eldest son, and the infant baby Wu Chen barely had the chance to be a father to, having been sent off to war in Zhao a mere month after his birth.

[Unchained Phoenix]

The guards searched him and removed what items they might have deemed weaponly then escorted the man into the king's presence. Wu Chen was milling over some papers, but quickly stopped when he realized he had company.

"My Lord, you have company from the city of Shangdang." The guard said and then left the room.

Wu Chen turned his attention to the man and said, "Welcome my friend. What can I do for you?"

Zhao Yue was obviously flustered that he was meeting a man of such exaltation, or at least that's what he was portraying. Purposely appearing to be extremely grateful and honored, he bowed a deep fist-in-palm bow to Wu Chen, only raising when motioned to do so by the King. When he was back in his straight-back position, he tucked his arms in the opposite sleeves, knowing that a perfect posture would help sell his case. Just don't let your thoughts show on your face, Laoxin. "It is an extreme honor to be able to meet with the King of Zhao. A man of my background could never dream of being in such a richly outfitted location," Zhao Yue said, purposely making his face a light shade of red. Perfect, but moving on...

"But I did not come here to grovel on this day. I am Zhao Yue zi Laoxin of Gaonu, and I have just recently reached the position of Prefect of Shangdang in Wei Province. I come to the King of Zhao to show my interest in forging a friendship between our two groups, one that may last as we move to combat against those who would threaten the peace and stability we have worked so long to achieve. I would first, however, like to hear what the King thinks of this gesture." Zhao Yue then bowed again, waiting for Wu Chen to voice his opinion on the matter.