Jiang Sei's Audience Hall - Huainan

[Lin Xin]

Lin Xin

(yes it is rather creepy isn't it?)

Satisfied with protocol, the two were then allowed entrance into the building housing the audience chambers of the Prefect. Lin and his bodyguard were however, forced to take a slight detour as the escort provided diverted them down a small hallway to the left of the final doors. Inside was a rather spacious clerk's office, many stacks of papers sitting upon a few reading desks there. Almost blending into the parchment decorum was the pale face of a female minister seated in a chair, her head partially wrapped in a loose grey scarf which seemed a bit out of place with the rest of her courtly robes that hung on a waif-like frame. A set of eyes the color of burgundy wine turned to regard the visitor, as the guards took up their posts dutifully.

Lady Zhi bowed her head once. "Ah... sir Lin Xin. A pleasure of you to drop by. I'm the District Manager of Yutai, Lady Zhi Cheng." She then looked to the stacks of paper nearby. "I do apologize for the little diversion, but I'm afraid the Prefect is away in Wu at the moment on important affairs of state. Perhaps I can assist you in her place?"

Xin was a little surprised at the detour but hid it well as he and Aoi followed the guards. Upon entering the room, as was his habit, Xin gave a quick glance around, capturing all the details, entry and exits, obstacles, and threats. To a casual observer, it merely seemed like he was slightly rolling his neck, as if relieving some stress or kink.

Bowing deeply to a fellow District Manager, Xin said with a smile, "It is my honor and privilege to meet you Lady Zhi. Please, as we are both town managers, do call me Xin."

Straightening up, Xin continued, "I have come on a journey of friendship and cooperation. We in Yue have seen the righteousness of your Prefect and wish to not only pay our respects but to build a relationship that will be mutually beneficial. Do you have the authority to discuss such issues?"

[Numinous]

Freefall

"Disturbing things, chief Jiang?" replied Zhi with a slightly raised eyebrow, then the barest hint of a sigh. "It would seem there are many disturbing things of late... ones to remind one that the rule of law is not yet entirely in place in this province. Between that reckless band of brigands sacking the beautiful city of Huaiyin and the infamous anti-Qin bandit Huan Chu taking advantage of the administrative chaos I have been embroiled in to raid Yutai town..." The lady then shook her head sadly, feeling this a personal failure of a sort in her duties as District Manager. "It is quite a mess... but at least my sources say your Hai Hu are continuing to prosper and expand. Though is this perhaps the subject you and the Lady Yi were corresponding over?"

Lin Xin

Lady Zhi arose from her spot to return the deep bow, and then indicated to a set of plain, cushioned chairs across from her desk for them to find a seat in. "I do have such negotiating authority while the Prefect is away, yes. Why don't you and your companion have a seat then, sir Xin, and let's discuss this relationship you seek in more detail. I admit I am eager as well to hear of the situation in the far southwestern lands."

While they got comfortable, the alabaster faced minister calmly awaited Manager Xin's response. There was a small flower arrangement not far away from the chairs near the only window in the office, an island of fengshui in a spacious study that was obviously still in the process of being moved into completely.

[Lin Xin]

Lin Xin

Lady Zhi arose from her spot to return the deep bow, and then indicated to a set of plain, cushioned chairs across from her desk for them to find a seat in. "I do have such negotiating authority while the Prefect is away, yes. Why don't you and your companion have a seat then, sir Xin, and let's discuss this relationship you seek in more detail. I admit I am eager as well to hear of the situation in the far southwestern lands."

While they got comfortable, the alabaster faced minister calmly awaited Manager Xin's response. There was a small flower arrangement not far away from the chairs near the only window in the office, an island of fengshui in a spacious study that was obviously still in the process of being moved into completely.

Xin smiled and moved to take a seat, motioning for Aoi to do the same. The warrior sat stiffly, as if unused to having to accomodate such formalities. Xin however, looked relaxed while resting his hands on the armrest. "I am proud to say the Yue has held strong against the numerous barbarian incursions from the south and we have quickly consolidated the major towns," he began saying. "My allies and I are currently 'converting' the corrupt and incompetent leadership within the cities. Hopefully, our efforts will lead to an improvement in our people's quality of life, for that is our goal."

He leaned forward slightly while looking at the pale, yet hauntingly attractive, face of the young manager and continued. "What of you, m'lady, or your Prefect?" asked Xin. "What are your goals for your people?"

[GreenFabre]

The tall stranger walked lazily as if drunk across the street. Coming out of a dark alleyway, its black hooded cloak billowing too as if half-asleep. It was a clear night and stars filled the dark sky. Yet the sound of the tall stranger's soft-padded boots made no sound with each sluggish step. And it seemed as if the tall stranger was carrying a big bag, muffled sounds coming from the inside, something wriggling and struggling to get out, as it now moved towards the front of the gates.

Upon reaching the gates, the tall stranger stopped completely, straightening now to its full height as it dropped the bag to its side without so much a care for the yelping sound it made. Reaching down from its hooded cloak, the tall stranger moved and felt for its pockets as if it forgot something, searching as it rested its booted feet on top of the bag as if it was a rock. The bag moved and wriggled with its muffled angry sounds yet the tall stranger just whispered fiercely at it to shut up and stay still.

As the tall stranger heard the sound of the guards at the front of the gates, it opened its mouth as if to say some ritual password, only to realize that this particular gate was not the one that the tall stranger had intended to request entrance in the first place~! A cold bead of sweat suddenly streaked down the tall stranger's cheek . . .

Yet the tall stranger covered up quickly by clearing its throat as its spoke now in a husky tone, with a voice too deep for a woman . . .

Tall Stranger: I have a letter...? *gulp*

[Numinous]

Lin Xin

"Our goals..." murmured the manager Zhi with a bit of thought, before raising her voice to speak plainly to her guests. "With all of Huaiyin now coming firmly under our control, we can now begin the process of bringing peace and stability here. The unfortunate sacking of Huaiyin will take time to recover from, but with our exceptional architects and planners, it will shine once again as the jewel of the coasts." Nodding once with her scarfed head that hid her alabaster hair from his view, she continued in the stately voice: "While that is being accomplished, we also turn our sights outward... to the lawless province of Jiujiang, as well as Wu, towards the villages and towns from which the bandit Huan Chu has been conducting his raids from. With these places then secured, the threats to the state and its citizens will notably ease... as well as prove our goodwill. Yi Lian and myself certainly share these ideals, which mirror your efforts in Yue." The statement of intent was finished with a quick smile, as her pale and narrow lips drew into the expression with the grace of a noblewoman.

GreenFabre

The guards watching the gate leading the audience hall of Yi Lian crossed their spears habitually at the approach of the suspicious stranger, while the middle-aged captain of the gate in his armor appeared to greet the man. "Who goes there? You've a letter of introduction from the Prefect?" he queried in a gruff tone, eying the rather large bag on the visitor's back that he could've sworn was moving a second ago...

[Freefall]

Freefall
"Disturbing things, chief Jiang?" replied Zhi with a slightly raised eyebrow, then the barest hint of a sigh. "It would seem there are many disturbing things of late... ones to remind one that the rule of law is not yet entirely in place in this province. Between that reckless band of brigands sacking the beautiful city of Huaiyin and the infamous anti-Qin bandit Huan Chu taking advantage of the administrative chaos I have been embroiled in to raid Yutai town..." The lady then shook her head sadly, feeling this a personal failure of a sort in her duties as District Manager. "It is quite a mess... but at least my sources say your Hai Hu are continuing to prosper and expand. Though is this perhaps the subject you and the Lady Yi were corresponding over?".

Sei: My people are doing well Lady Zhi, my thanks to you and your mistress for allowing us the room to prosper. I had been speaking with Mistress Yi in regards to consildating my forces and infulence in the south eastern region of our province. Along the peninsula and the inlet between Wu and Huainan there are rumors of unstability, as you yourself have expiernced with the recent raids. I have spoken with some of the officals in Wu and there is talk to some corruption there along our borders in one of their major cities. The fact is my forces can only grow so much within Huainan, and I was hoping to expanded my armies influence into Wu where I feel I can do some good for both provinces. In order to do that was hoping to turn Lady Yi for her assistance in governing my villages in care until a time where have the influence needed to return. She can allow them to grow and prosper in a way I cannot, and it will allow my forces to focus on bringing order to our border and that of Wu.

He pasued a moment...he liked Lady Zhi and thought her a good woman though he felt her logic may over ride her emotion.

Sei: However before I can do that I would need some assurances from her ladyship. The tragedy at Huaiyin has tarnshed her reputation with many. Though I personally know that she did not order such a travesty, the fact remains the populace believes she is linked to this in some way. I am sure you can understand my prediciment. I know Lady Yi can assist these people better than I can at this point, and I am in need of her help to secure this region in North east of Wu and Southeast of Huainan. However there could be reluctance to her leadership since these events have transpired.

(OOC: Where is my spellcheck damnit!!)

[GreenFabre]

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The guards watching the gate leading the audience hall of Yi Lian crossed their spears habitually at the approach of the suspicious stranger, while the middle-aged captain of the gate in his armor appeared to greet the man. "Who goes there? You've a letter of introduction from the Prefect?" he queried in a gruff tone, eying the rather large bag on the visitor's back that he could've sworn was moving a second ago...

<font color="green">The tall stranger's instinctively scratched its left cheek, an old habit it does when things are not going the way they are supposed to.
It then licked its lips as it looked around for a moment to get its bearings, thinking of something to get out of this without trouble.
And as it turned its head back to the middle-aged captain, it smiled an amused smile, one that showed with great confidence.


Tall Stranger: "I had a letter..."
</font>
</td></tr></table>

[Lin Xin]

Lin Xin

"Our goals..." murmured the manager Zhi with a bit of thought, before raising her voice to speak plainly to her guests. "With all of Huaiyin now coming firmly under our control, we can now begin the process of bringing peace and stability here. The unfortunate sacking of Huaiyin will take time to recover from, but with our exceptional architects and planners, it will shine once again as the jewel of the coasts." Nodding once with her scarfed head that hid her alabaster hair from his view, she continued in the stately voice: "While that is being accomplished, we also turn our sights outward... to the lawless province of Jiujiang, as well as Wu, towards the villages and towns from which the bandit Huan Chu has been conducting his raids from. With these places then secured, the threats to the state and its citizens will notably ease... as well as prove our goodwill. Yi Lian and myself certainly share these ideals, which mirror your efforts in Yue." The statement of intent was finished with a quick smile, as her pale and narrow lips drew into the expression with the grace of a noblewoman.

Xin nodded his head and smiled as the manager spoke, showing his satisfaction in hearing their shared views. Leaning back into the seat, he rested his elbows on the armrests, his fingers interlocking on his lap, and said, "I am pleased to hear that m'lady. If I am able, I will assist in your lady's efforts to secure Wu, of course, only if requested."

He paused a bit as he formulated his next thought. "Would you or your lady protest if, once I have successfully stabilized Yue, that I turn my attention towards Changsha? I've heard the lawlessness has plaqued our neighbor as well so I feel it is only honorable and just to assist those people if I am able. However, I also do not want to cause any strain in our developing friendship so that is why I bring it up now..."

[Kimche]

Freefall

"The tragedy in Huaiyin is all but a misunderstanding for which I take full responsibility." A voice from behind said. A woman figure came out from the back and started to sit down where she would be sitting. "Captain Jiang, it is nice to see you again. I apologize for not being here. I was in Wu this past month and looking in the province to see what could be done to improve. To answer your question, Huaiyin was unfortunate. However, I have delivered a decree to the town that I will be rebuilding the town back to its status. What I have heard is that you have also done something great for the city of Huaiyin?"

Lin Xin

"Changsha?" A voice came from the back said. A woman figure came out from the back and started to sit down where she would be sitting. (Deja vu?) "Are you certain that you want to move that way? Never mind that, let me ask you this, what is your relationship with the Governor in Wuzhong?"

[Freefall]

"The tragedy in Huaiyin is all but a misunderstanding for which I take full responsibility." A voice from behind said. A woman figure came out from the back and started to sit down where she would be sitting. "Captain Jiang, it is nice to see you again. I apologize for not being here. I was in Wu this past month and looking in the province to see what could be done to improve. To answer your question, Huaiyin was unfortunate. However, I have delivered a decree to the town that I will be rebuilding the town back to its status. What I have heard is that you have also done something great for the city of Huaiyin?"

The former captain rose as the Prefect made her way into the room after speaking. he bowed his head to her in greeting.

Sei: It was more than unfortunate Lady, it was horrific.

There was a long pause before he spoke next...

Sei: These soliders ate people....Common folk and surrendered foe alike. I was there trying to help some of the survivors. My resources were are few but we were able to give them some supplies and help about the town as best we could. I have never seen such destruction, and I know you would not have ordered it directly...but the people see these monsters as agents under your hand. I was talking with Magistrate Zhi here about the fact I wished to turn teh villages I have been working over to your stewardship, but the people may be resistant due to these events.