Zhao Yue's Audience Hall - Shangdang

[Eisenherz]

The woman standing nearby played with her braid boredly, as she listened to the three men talking about cats and boxes. It was completely beyond her and she could only arch an eyebrow at it all.

Fortunately, before she decided to wander off and slaughter a few cats and smash some boxes to take her revenge on both, Pan Rui suddenly decided it was time to talk to the big man.

"Right, right, let's get this over with," she sighed as she tapped her spear on her shoulder. Glancing the guard's way, she wagged a finger and said, "look, I know my rack's impressive and you can't help yourself, but no touchy-feely or I stabby-stabby."

<hr>
Elsewhere, far, far from the audience hall, a young man likewise sighed as he rapped his fingers on the table. Nearby, a much older man in full armor sat, fidgeting nervously.

"Yeah, I know," the young man said, "I'm worried that idiot girl will go and say something stupid. I don't know if that Pan Rui guy has his head on straight, either. It's like dumb and dumber deciding our fates, or something."

"Must... protect... the Lady," the warrior mumbled to himself, barely audible.

"I wish she brought us with her, you know?" Fen continued. "I mean, she's been in a really bad mood since Bei Di. Who knows what she's liable to do."

"Must... protect... the Lady," the warrior mumbled to himself, barely audible.

"Well, at least we're around to provide her some stability, huh? I mean, you're the kinda guy that would never lose his cool under pressure," Fen continued to speak.

Qiu Tong suddenly screamed and drew his sword, hacking up the table with mad fervor. Fen tumbled backwards, screaming in sheer terror for his life. After counting all his limbs and discovering they were still there, he breathed a sigh of relief and nervously glanced his companion's way.

"... Feeling better?" the attendant trepidatiously asked.

Looking over his handiwork, the warrior meekly said, "a little."

[Kaori]

Staring almost straight up at the wide set man before her, Rin was made slightly uncomfortable by his harsh voice, but there was almost a warmth in his features she couldn't identify. As he spoke she found herself imagining him playing with small children and had to suppress a giggle. The mention of two searches inspired a frown, which quickly turned to a look of puzzlement.

"...We can fetch a female attendant to do the job so you are more comfortable. Agreed?" Rin cocked an eyebrow at the question,

"Why would we need a female attendant? Can't we just get it over with?" Growing up in near isolation, the need for gender separation had never truly been burned into Rin's mind and she was completely oblivious to the social rules on the subject. A female attendant would just mean more time before she was able to see the prefect. There wasn't anything particularly suspicious about the Guard Captain anyway and the idea of him doing something improper had never even crossed her mind.

"But yeah... I mean, I consent... I guess"

[chandler_19]

Ci Ha looked at the guard with a funny look.

Ci Ha I'll submit to it.

He waited for his audience.

The gate guards nodded, searching the man and removing all suspicious and malicious items. "These will be returned to you upon your departure," the captain simply stated, signaling for the men beyond to open up the gates. The envoy would then be directed to the entrance guards, who again patted him down and removed anything threatening they could find. With the two searches completed, it was time to enter the Administration Building of Shangdang.

The entire first floor of the complex was dedicated to audiences, what with all of the suites for exalted officials located higher up in the building. The walls were like a maze, painted with dragons and symbols and all sorts of things, though sliding doors were hidden throughout where men and women alike conducted their daily business. Eventually, they were taken to the opposite side of the floor where they were motioned to remove their shoes, the doors then sliding open to reveal a large room with plenty of decor. The room was painted a golden hue, with small statues and intricately crafted antiques dotting the perimeter. Opposite the red rug in the center of the room was a raised platform equipped with two steps. Behind this platform was a draped tapestry that had a poem woven in, speaking of a new spring and the joys that are brought with it. The focus was not on this literature, however; it was on the man sitting crosslegged on his own floor mat on this platform.

"Good day," said the seated man with a stoic expression. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Bowing in front of the seated man, Ci Ha explained the reason of his visit.

Ci Ha I come in the name of Lord Huang Zhao of Di. He wishes to speak about peace between our 2 kingdoms. Just like Lord Zhao Yue, he manage to overthrown the previous administrator of Bei Di, but that exploit seem to have brought too much attention to Bei Di. He has also learned that a bunch of war dogs had recently infested the province of Wei and he fears that they might turn their attention to either Bei Di or Shangdang. He wishes to know if a defensive alliance is possible between our 2 kingdoms.

Still bowed, Ci Ha waited for the seated man replied.

[Unchained Phoenix]

Hua, himself bowing slightly, lazily looked around the room with an amused smile. "Ah, the king is very well if rumors are to be believed. I do not believe I have ever heard of him being so active."

However, this visit wasn't about exchange pleasantries as Gao soon revealed. "The business that brings me to your wonderful court is fairly simple. Really, my staff would have asked me to send a letter but I would think it rude to not come in person."

"I have heard that the King holds you in some regard so it would be an affront if I did not announce myself. On orders of the King, I am moving into this province to secure a base of operations in preparation for the capture of Jinyang. To that end, I shall be absorbing the town of Hangu this coming month. I would not so inconvenience you as to ask for aid, but I felt it best to inform you of my men's movements so that there weren't any...lapses in communication."

The Prefect raised a brow at the statement made. Shit. "It was to my belief that the King intended to expand into Changshan, securing the northern frontier before turning his eyes to Wei. Has there been a change in plans? Regardless, with all of these rogue militias popping up across the province, it seems as though it would be difficult to dispatch crack troops to assist the almighty King while plenty of threats are already knocking at my door. One of my units were demolished last week at Chenxiang, and I fear that this Captain wants to set his eyes on my own city. Similarly, other leaders have been claiming villages and even Shou Yang on their own, so you must understand my preoccupations with these Anti-Zhao groups coming out of nowhere. It's quite... troubling."

A trio rode up to the city gates of Shangdang. One of them, a lightly robed man who was clearing not armed, step forward.

"I am an envoy from Liu Jin, and I come to negotiate prisoner exchange. Your miserable soldiers had a clash with our vanguard general Xu Nie. They lost and ran away like dogs with their tails between the legs. Unfortunately they also took hostage of some 200 of my brothers and we will like to take them back."

The look on the messenger was almost full of disdain and contempt. He looked back at the other 2 fully armed men and said

"Both of you stay back outside the city gates. I am an envoy and should have diplomatic immunity and not be harmed. If these dogs were to even disregard such basic courtesy, please tell our dear leader to not mourn for me for my life as it is of inconsequence compared to his lofty ambitions."

The guard captain snorted, obviously amused by this man's fervor. Regardless, he would take this in his stride as he clicked his tongue lightly against the roof of his mouth. "So you want your men back, right? You'll have to be searched twice before you go inside. Even though you have 'diplomatic immunity'," he said with stressed syllables, "protocol is still protocol. We don't want our Lord to catch the plague, after all," noted the captain with an uneasy smile, cracking his knuckles and awaiting the envoy's response.

Yop!

Ew!

(If it's still not okay for Jin Zhen to be searched by a female attendant, lemme know.)

The guards blinked for a moment, then promptly began the required search. A female attendant emerged from behind the gates a few moments after, searching Lady Zhen as well. Once all malicious and suspicious items were removed, the captain made a signal and the bronze gates were thenafter opened, scraping against the cobblestone jarringly. The pair was taken to the entrance guards where they were searched in the same fashion. Once the annoying procedure was completed, the entrance captain led the party into the darkness of the archway...

The entire first floor of the complex was dedicated to audiences, what with all of the suites for exalted officials located higher up in the building. The walls were like a maze, painted with dragons and symbols and all sorts of things, though sliding doors were hidden throughout where men and women alike conducted their daily business. Eventually, they were taken to the opposite side of the floor where they were motioned to remove their shoes, the doors then sliding open to reveal a large room with plenty of decor. The room was painted a golden hue, with small statues and intricately crafted antiques dotting the perimeter. Opposite the red rug in the center of the room was a raised platform equipped with two steps. Behind this platform was a draped tapestry that had a poem woven in, speaking of a new spring and the joys that are brought with it. The focus was not on this literature, however; it was on the man sitting crosslegged on his own floor mat on this platform.

"Pan Rui," the man said with a lingering smile, apparently a stranger to the leader yet knowing who he was almost immediately. "Welcome to Shangdang. Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said, motioning to the lady as well. "How was your journey?"

Staring almost straight up at the wide set man before her, Rin was made slightly uncomfortable by his harsh voice, but there was almost a warmth in his features she couldn't identify. As he spoke she found herself imagining him playing with small children and had to suppress a giggle. The mention of two searches inspired a frown, which quickly turned to a look of puzzlement.

"...We can fetch a female attendant to do the job so you are more comfortable. Agreed?" Rin cocked an eyebrow at the question,

"Why would we need a female attendant? Can't we just get it over with?" Growing up in near isolation, the need for gender separation had never truly been burned into Rin's mind and she was completely oblivious to the social rules on the subject. A female attendant would just mean more time before she was able to see the prefect. There wasn't anything particularly suspicious about the Guard Captain anyway and the idea of him doing something improper had never even crossed her mind.

"But yeah... I mean, I consent... I guess"

"Very well," the said, waving to the men behind the gates to open them up. When the iron bars slowly swung open, a small girl scurried out from the capital, being a few inches shorter than the visitor. After she patted Niao down and removed all suspicious and malicious items, she was shown to the entrance guard and again searched by an attendant. Once this was done, the darkness engulfed the escort party as everyone entered the Administration Building.

The entire first floor of the complex was dedicated to audiences, what with all of the suites for exalted officials located higher up in the building. The walls were like a maze, painted with dragons and symbols and all sorts of things, though sliding doors were hidden throughout where men and women alike conducted their daily business. Eventually, he was taken to the opposite side of the floor where he was motioned to remove his shoes, the doors then sliding open to reveal a large room with plenty of decor. The room was painted a golden hue, with small statues and intricately crafted antiques dotting the perimeter. Opposite the red rug in the center of the room was a raised platform equipped with two steps. Behind this platform was a draped tapestry that had a poem woven in, speaking of a new spring and the joys that are brought with it. The focus was not on this literature, however; it was on the man sitting crosslegged on his own floor mat on this platform.

"Good day," the Governor said, bowing as he sat to show his respect to a Lady. "What can I help you with today, madame?"

Bowing in front of the seated man, Ci Ha explained the reason of his visit.

Ci Ha I come in the name of Lord Huang Zhao of Di. He wishes to speak about peace between our 2 kingdoms. Just like Lord Zhao Yue, he manage to overthrown the previous administrator of Bei Di, but that exploit seem to have brought too much attention to Bei Di. He has also learned that a bunch of war dogs had recently infested the province of Wei and he fears that they might turn their attention to either Bei Di or Shangdang. He wishes to know if a defensive alliance is possible between our 2 kingdoms.

Still bowed, Ci Ha waited for the seated man replied.

Internally, the Prefect was rolling his eyes, but on the outside his expression remained unsurprisingly the same. "Very well, I had no aims on Beidi, anyway. What are the terms of this proposed alliance, envoy?" he asked, not bothering to take the time to ask the man's name.

[chandler_19]

Ci Ha remained calm despite the rudeness of the man in front of him.

Ci Ha If the rumors are true, a group of rogue militia has already clash against Lord Zhao Yue at Chenxiang and another is currently aiming at the free city of Shou Yang to claim it as his own. Isn't it troubling?

Ci Ha paused.

Ci Ha Wouldn't it be a good benefit that both the army of Lord Zhao Yue and Lord Huang Zhao aid each others, if one of their city or town is attack by these rogue generals?

Ci Ha paused once more.

Ci Ha Lord Huang Zhao is offering to send troops to help to protect Lord Zhao Yue's city or town, if needed. In exchange, he wishes to know if Lord Zhao Yue will return the favor if needed.

This time, Ci Ha looked directly in the eyes of the man in front of him. Even if he lacks confidence in his diplomatic skills.

[Radical Dreamer]

The Prefect raised a brow at the statement made. Shit. "It was to my belief that the King intended to expand into Changshan, securing the northern frontier before turning his eyes to Wei. Has there been a change in plans? Regardless, with all of these rogue militias popping up across the province, it seems as though it would be difficult to dispatch crack troops to assist the almighty King while plenty of threats are already knocking at my door. One of my units were demolished last week at Chenxiang, and I fear that this Captain wants to set his eyes on my own city. Similarly, other leaders have been claiming villages and even Shou Yang on their own, so you must understand my preoccupations with these Anti-Zhao groups coming out of nowhere. It's quite... troubling."

Hua listened with feigned interest. Whether or not a regional lord could keep the people of Wei under his thumb wasn't really the noble's concern. "Yes, good help is difficult to find these days," the man stated as way of at least appearing to be listening.

"As to my lord's plans, my orders to secure northern Wei and create a united front with Changshan have been standing since early August. Only recently have I put together enough of a force to march on a town here; in a number months I should have enough men to attempt the city."

As if considering his options, the noble slightly tilted his head in thought. "While I am here, I could offer my and my troop's aid in holding your city. Although, my force is officially for supporting the King so any deficiencies would have to be compensated for. That, and I will not allow my attack schedule to be delayed. Perhaps, with another force looming over him, you can bring your troublesome competitor to the negotiating table."

[yoshi]

"Pan Rui," the man said with a lingering smile, apparently a stranger to the leader yet knowing who he was almost immediately. "Welcome to Shangdang. Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said, motioning to the lady as well. "How was your journey?"

Making absolutely no attempt to be diplomatic and with pointed honesty, the man glowered and responded.

Pan Rui: Absolutely rotten. The roads out of Di are a mess. Those magistrates've been skimping on maintenance and putting the extra money in their pockets. Makes it easy for banditry - and you'll appreciate that I know what I'm talking about here - but a pain for marching. Maybe the new guy in Bei Di will do better, but we'll see.

Pan Rui paused, reached behind his head and put his hand on the back of his neck. He twisted his head at an angle and there was an audible crack. He returned to a normal position, moving his head gingerly side to side. Apparently pleased with the result, he carried on with his conversation.

Pan Rui: Sorry. Been bugging me all day. Anyway, aside from that, I'm pretty sure you've heard of the disaster I had in Bei Di last month. My boys are still a little sore about it and I've had to take it a little easy on them on the way up. Morale and all. Never heard a bigger bunch of whiners though. "How much further is it, boss?" "Can we stop to get some dumplings?" "I gotta go answer the call of nature!" "How much further is it now, boss?" You'd think a bunch of guys making a living from violence and brutality could man-up a little more...

After a moment of consideration, as if it had just occurred to him that perhaps it would be a good idea to do so, he pointed at the girl who had followed him in.

Pan Rui: Can't remember if I mentioned her in the letters, but she's Jin Zhen. She was with me at Bei Di. We, you know, collaborate. She marched up here with her men too. We've got them all camped outside of the city - I figured your men might get a little antsy if I walked through the gates of the city with a few thousand of the boys and all.

[Eisenherz]

"Ugh, Bei Di," Zhen groused. "That damn city needs to be razed to the ground and then the razings need to be razed. And then a hundred thousand yaks urinating on it. And then raze that too. The guy in charge sucks, you see. He kidnapped Pan Rui and was gonna do awful, terrible things to him, maybe even give it to him up the butt, but fortunately I rescued him so I'd say he owes me for that."

The woman paused a moment as she twirled her braid around with her finger, lost in thought.

"I dunno, maybe he did take it up the butt," she wondered aloud. "I mean, that kinda thing is embarrassing. It's not like he'd go and tell me about it."

[yoshi]

Pan Rui gave Jin Zhen a withering glare and turned back to his host.

Pan Rui: You gotta excuse her. She's young, stupid and was raised by monkeys so she's not really presentable for polite society and all. Also, she took a few too many kicks to the head from livestock when she was a brat so she's kinda plowing a field without an oxen if you know what I mean...

[Eisenherz]

"Hey, I wasn't raised by monkeys, you were raised by monkeys!" the young woman shouted as she pointed accusingly at Pan Rui. It was about as witty a comeback as she was going to manage.

"And see if I rescue you again from butt rapists like that guy in Bei Di," she added, crossing her arms in a huff. "Geeze, you do something nice for a guy and he starts telling stories about you and animals. If my father wasn't already dead and his head not rotting on a wall somewhere I swear I'd tell him to beat your dad up. That'd show you."