Jin Kai's Audience Hall - Xiangguo

Xushou · Post by **Xushou** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 4:29 pm

With a flick of his sleeve, Xiong Xushou sent an attendant quickly scurrying to bring tea for Rou Jang and then himself. As his cup was poured, he shook his head and replied, "Master Rou Jang, the land is in chaos. To the north, Wu Chen has seized Quni. Many were cruelly slain by the self-styled King of Zhao's butchers. We have constructed a village nearby for the many refugees, but I fear it is not enough. Clearly, the skills and abilities you are reputed to possess would be invaluable anywhere in the land to any cause. Here, however, you can join a noble cause."

Rue Goung · Post by **Rue Goung** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:39 pm

Xushou wrote:With a flick of his sleeve, Xiong Xushou sent an attendant quickly scurrying to bring tea for Rou Jang and then himself. As his cup was poured, he shook his head and replied, "Master Rou Jang, the land is in chaos. To the north, Wu Chen has seized Quni. Many were cruelly slain by the self-styled King of Zhao's butchers. We have constructed a village nearby for the many refugees, but I fear it is not enough. Clearly, the skills and abilities you are reputed to possess would be invaluable anywhere in the land to any cause. Here, however, you can join a noble cause."

Rou Jang began to stroke his beard as he listened to the man; he then picked up his cup of tea and took a sip then placed it back on the table.

"You are right villainy runs rampant in these lands and righteous men are very far and view between. In most of the men that follow me are from destroyed villages and conquered territories. They fallow me in hopes I will lead them to a new beginning, a land they hope that will have peace or at least the promise of a brighter future. But I am not so easily persuaded, please tell me what do you plan on doing in order to make this future you plan to form to fruition?"

Xushou · Post by **Xushou** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:56 pm

"As I have already noted," Xiong Xushou replied, sipping lightly from his tea at intervals, "we have begun construction projects across Changshan, such as the refugee's village to the north. By the end of this year, we must move against Wu Chen or risk losing the initiative. My allies and I are planning for this opportunity." Sipping some more on his tea, Xushou let the cup rest on the arm of his chair as he considered Rou Jang.

"You are an able leader and a powerful warrior," the young prefect went on, "leading your men toward the promise of a better tomorrow. No place in the land remained at peace longer than Changshan - whose only conflicts have been brought upon by foreign rulers. There are many men here dedicated to swiftly returning that peace to the people. Once the King of Zhao's tyranny is removed from Quni, we would hope to negotiate further with lord Fei of Yan, as he has just days ago conquered the city of Zhou Guo in the west."

"But I am no seer, master Rou, nor a prophet of any kind," Xushou sighed, "and the future is an ever-shifting, ever-changing thing. I would be a fool to present you with a detailed outline for peace, as such a thing would prove wasted in only a couple months when some unaccounted for change occurs."

Gohu · Post by **Gohu** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:47 pm

Po Hu watched the man come out of the building. When asked, he told them. "I do not have any weapons. I only have books in my duffle. And no, you may not take them, I trust no one with the books. If you want to take my books, then perhaps I rather stay outside."

Rue Goung · Post by **Rue Goung** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:54 pm

Rou Jang took anther sip of his tea to wet his mouth before again speaking.

"well you are indeed a wise man and a true lord of your people. you also make some very persuasive arguments concerning working for you. but this is not a decision i must make on my own...there are 2800 men waiting for me outside that i must concur with before coming to any conclusion. although i do believe you are a just full man to work for , so you might be expecting my return shortly."

the young man then bowed deep to Xiong Xushou then turned to leave.

"i do believe we both have said are fair share for now, so until we meet again lord Xushou i bid you good health."

Rou Jang then turned and began to leave(and if uninterrupted ) walks out and reunites with his men.

Xushou · Post by **Xushou** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:06 pm

Gohu

"Perhaps, then," suggested Xiong Xushou, "you would at least allow my men to search your bag to be sure? It is not our custom to inconvenience our guests, master Po, but certain safety precautions must be taken - a point I am sure you would be willing to concede. A man in my position may have many enemies, and they do not always declare themselves openly." The young prefect reinforced his words with a slight bow, though he may have done that simply to keep warm.

Rue Goung

"Very well, master Rou," Xiong Xushou replied quietly, "until next we meet." He watched the man leave in silence, contemplating their brief exchange until an attendant approached and absorbed him back into the affairs of the city.

Gohu · Post by **Gohu** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:45 pm

"No problem." Po Hu hands over his duffle. "I don't mind you searching it. It is just books. But make sure you don't get it wet or anything. I like to keep them dry so they last longer."

Xushou · Post by **Xushou** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 3:53 pm

"Of course, master Po," replied Xiong Xushou, whilst waving his men forward to proceed with the search of the bag. They are very careful, especially under the stern eye of their master, as they search through the books. Assuming nothing dangerous is found, the bag is quickly reclosed and returned. With the formality out of the way, the young prefect flicked his sleeve to send a few more attendants scurrying inside.

He turned his attention back to the intimidating man and his books, letting a slight smile spread across his lips. "I apologize for the misunderstanding, master. If you would care to join me indoors, I can provide warmth and refreshments for our meeting."

Cao Chao · Post by **Cao Chao** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 5:17 pm

Amidst the sharp cold winds of brutal northern winter, a man appeared in the city of Xiangguo. Dressed warmly in heavy wool clothing, the man approached the guards. Offering his sheathed sword to the guards and indicating his willingness to be searched, he spoke. "I am a man of Zhao who wishes to serve Magistrate Xiong. It is best that my name not be revealed until I enter into the presence of the Magistrate . . . there are certain negativity with my name that I'd rather not put across."

Xushou · Post by **Xushou** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:41 pm

The captain of the citadel gate stepped forward to address the stranger from Zhao, whilst one of the other guards accepted the man's sword. "My lord welcomes many guests and does not discriminate against their origin," Shang Xiao replied politely. As he went on, his voice grew slightly more firm, "But what should I announce to the lord Prefect if his guest has no name?" As the captain finished speaking, the second of the other guards came forward to quickly search the man from Zhao.