Tian Dan's Audience Hall - Chenggao

Post by **ann** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:03 pm

The city of Chenggao, recently proclaimed the capitol of Qi by Tian Dan, is a city of constant, but ordered motion. Ever since he came to power, Tian Dan has been passing laws that eliminate chaos and replace it with order. Efficiency and exactness are evident everywhere, and obviously the vision of the King. Down every other street patrolling guards are evident and charged with eliminating even the hint of crime.

If one wishes to have an audience with the King, they must submit totally to the guards; all weapons must be forfeited and visitors must agree to a quick, non-intrusive search.

Lao Kong · Post by **Lao Kong** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:56 am

It was not a long ride to Chenggao, Lao Yongrui observed. He passed into the outer city a couple of hours after departing Shantian, in an effort to visit Tian Dan. With an air of purpose, the young lord sat dignified atop his mount as the beast strode through the streets of the large city, heading towards the center that boasted the King of Qi's audience hall.

Upon arriving at the aforementioned hall, Lao Yongrui dismounted his horse, and left it within the care of the guards, who he then announced himself to.

"I am Lao Yongrui, magistrate of the small village of Shantian, and I wish to counsel with Tian Dan." With an almost alarming speed, Yongrui drew his sword from the sheath, and grabbed it by the blade-end, handing it over to the guards. "I understand I cannot bring this with me, but I expect it back in my possession when I am done speaking with your Lord."

Du Rong · Post by **Du Rong** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:47 am

Escorted by ten of his brothers best men, Tian Gong, and his young apprentice, Ren Bing, made their way to Chenggao. Coming from Jiaodong, it was a relatively short trip for them to take. Tian Gong took notice to all the comings and goings of Chenggao as they passed through the city. Everything seemed hectic, and busy, but in order. Approaching the main hall of Tian Dan, Gong rained in and unmounted, along with Ren Bing. Leaving his escort to wait for his return, Tian Gong headed for the guards on station.

"I am Tian Gong of Jiaodong, and this is my apprentice, Ren Bing. We wish to speak with your lord, Tian Dan. We, of course, will allow whatever searches that may be customary, though we both are unarmed, I assure you."

Galagros · Post by **Galagros** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:16 am

Lao Kong:
The guard grimaced and took the proffered sword. This lordling might be acting overly self-important, but the King would fix that, if necessary. He nodded to another guard, who began to pat down Lao Yongrui with an air of efficiency and experience. Only once that was done did the guardsmen allow the visitor to enter the hall. After a few twists and turns, the village ruler was brought to Tian Dan. The King of Qi was busy studying the days reports from the drillmasters, accountants, farriers, blacksmiths, and other similarly unpopular, but important people.

One of the guards escorting Yongrui rushed forth and spoke quietly to Tian Dan. Apparently, having control of a village didn't make you very important because Dan never even looked up before speaking. "What business have you away from your village?"

Du Rong:
The guards looked dubiously at Tian Gong and Ren Bing before giving both a thorough searching. Afterwards, the pair were led through the halls for a short time before reaching the large chamber were Tian Dan held court. The King might have been expecting someone important, or maybe he had just finished holding court; regardless, the King and many officials were present. Upon seeing this, one escort grunted and the other's shoulder sagged a little before he rushed forward to announce the village head. Tian Dan remained silent as both visitors were brought before him. It seems they were meant to speak first.

Lao Kong · Post by **Lao Kong** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:30 am

Galagros wrote:Lao Kong:
The guard grimaced and took the proffered sword. This lordling might be acting overly self-important, but the King would fix that, if necessary. He nodded to another guard, who began to pat down Lao Yongrui with an air of efficiency and experience. Only once that was done did the guardsmen allow the visitor to enter the hall. After a few twists and turns, the village ruler was brought to Tian Dan. The King of Qi was busy studying the days reports from the drillmasters, accountants, farriers, blacksmiths, and other similarly unpopular, but important people.

One of the guards escorting Yongrui rushed forth and spoke quietly to Tian Dan. Apparently, having control of a village didn't make you very important because Dan never even looked up before speaking. "What business have you away from your village?"

Lao Yongrui received just about as much courtesy he expected from Tian Dan, which he didn't mind since he was never very adherent to tradition, but respect was another thing. Clearing his throat, Yongrui stated, "Greetings My King, I come before you to today, to tell you that the people of Shantian are confident in your power, and wish to see you become the King of the entire land, and put an end to the decrepit beast that is Qin.

I also come to receive your blessings as King, for it is recent that I have assumed the position of Magistrate in Shantian." Talking to this man so sweetly felt like he was soothing an angered tiger, but he had learned throughout his schooling that courtesy is a well-paved road.

(Just a note, I've named Village 5 "Shantian" so that Yongrui doesn't sound like a nut talking about it.)

Galagros · Post by **Galagros** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:45 am

Lao Kong:
King of the 'entire land'? This fool is surely from an insignificant speck of backwater land. Hmm, I bet he's uneducated as well. Suddenly the King realized that he was just staring at his guest silently and things were getting awkward. "Ahem. Shantian, you say?" Tian Dan imagined the map of Qi that he had memorized and placed the village in his head. "Yes, I know of the place. Tell me, how many fighting men can a village such as yours muster?" The King's voice was calm and cool; It gave no hint of his intentions.

Lao Kong · Post by **Lao Kong** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 4:45 pm

Galagros wrote:Lao Kong:
King of the 'entire land'? This fool is surely from an insignificant speck of backwater land. Hmm, I bet he's uneducated as well. Suddenly the King realized that he was just staring at his guest silently and things were getting awkward. "Ahem. Shantian, you say?" Tian Dan imagined the map of Qi that he had memorized and placed the village in his head. "Yes, I know of the place. Tell me, how many fighting men can a village such as yours muster?" The King's voice was calm and cool; It gave no hint of his intentions.

Lao Yongrui couldn't hear the condescension in Tian Dan's voice, he could literally taste it. Yongrui smiled as the king stumbled about the map looking for Shantian, and finally found it. When questioned on conscriptions, Yongrui thought for a moment.

"It is a decent-sized village, My King. I could muster more than 200 before the month is over, if it is required."

Du Rong · Post by **Du Rong** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:38 pm

Galagros wrote:Du Rong:
The guards looked dubiously at Tian Gong and Ren Bing before giving both a thorough searching. Afterwards, the pair were led through the halls for a short time before reaching the large chamber were Tian Dan held court. The King might have been expecting someone important, or maybe he had just finished holding court; regardless, the King and many officials were present. Upon seeing this, one escort grunted and the other's shoulder sagged a little before he rushed forward to announce the village head. Tian Dan remained silent as both visitors were brought before him. It seems they were meant to speak first.

Tian Gong stepped forward, and bowed to the King of Qi. Looking over his shoulder he gave his apprentice a harsh look then motioned for Ren Bing to follow suit. After Ren Bing did so, Tian Gong smiled at the King, and announced himself.

"My lord, King of Qi, Tian Dan. I am Tian Gong of Jiaodong. I have been charged with heading the village of Zhengen (village 3) there. This young one is my personal apprentice, Ren Bing." Tian Gong turned to Bing and motioned him to bow to the King once again. "We have come here today, in the hopes that you will recognize our link to the family Tian. I have a brother, Tian Loc, who resides in Zhengen as well. However he was unavoidably detained, and could not come with us. Our link to the Tian family is through an unfortunate over site, that had occurred between our late mother, Lady Yue, and a member of the illustrious Tian family."

Tian Gong bowed once again to Tian Dan, then he looked around the room at the King's officials, to try and gauge how his introduction was taken while he awaited the King's response.

Galagros · Post by **Galagros** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:43 pm

Lao Kong:
"I see," said Tian Dan, slightly disappointed. "I have no doubt that you and any of your men would join me in battle if I commanded it." Having put down the papers minutes ago, Dan now leaned back and fully concentrated on his ... guest. "What exactly are your aspirations, Lao Yongrui? Are you content to remain in your current station until the end of your life?"

Lao Kong · Post by **Lao Kong** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:12 pm

Galagros wrote:Lao Kong:
"I see," said Tian Dan, slightly disappointed. "I have no doubt that you and any of your men would join me in battle if I commanded it." Having put down the papers minutes ago, Dan now leaned back and fully concentrated on his ... guest. "What exactly are your aspirations, Lao Yongrui? Are you content to remain in your current station until the end of your life?"

Lao Yongrui bowed at Tian Dan's first statement. "Of course I would join you in battle, King Tian. My family has lived in Qi for several generations, and we have always stood by the Kings of Qi. As for my aspirations..." His lips were dry, and he licked them. He didn't often get nervous, but he knew he was in a crucial situation. "I have friends and family in the southlands, and I hope to spread my influence in that direction, possibly into Jiaoxi or Liang. Would you support this venture, my King?"