Lin Xin's Audience Hall - Panyu

[Trendkill]

Panyu is where Zú Yǒuzhù found Marquis Lin Xin. He approched the outer walls. He had his army marching in a formation but the spears of the soldiers where held upside down. He hoped that this action would signify a peaceful intent. He called a soldier out to assume command of the formation. Then walked through the town to it's center where the inner wall of the governance compound awaited him. As he walked to the gate, he looked on at the guard on duty. "I am here to see the Marquis," he stated to the guard dryly.

The guards quickly snap to attention at the approach of the stranger. One of them steps forward and greets the man. "Of course, we will announce your arrival as soon as a search has been conducted. Merely a formality I assure you," he admits.

((Yeah! it's Yangy. ))

The walls of Panyu finally rose in the distance, bringing this journey to an end. The pair would likely be on the road again within the next couple of days, but it was invigorating to come to the city of a man who wrote to them. Shing Kong was on a light brown charger affectionately named 'Blackie'. He always seemed amused by it, but no one else really shared in it. Gan Lu rode from atop his nondescript colt.

"You have the letter this time, right? We might have gotten lucky before with Manager Lao before," Gan Lu asked, his voice strangely grim. He didn't much like the southern frontier, but he tried not to betray his nerves.

"I got it right here," Kong replied while patting his pouch, much calmer than his friend. He was actually sober, though that was because he ran out of wine two days ago. Gan Lu was relieved, but knew the man would just stock up in town. At least he couldn't possibly embarass them here.

It was not long before they came up on the great north wall of the city. Spotting a couple of gate guards on hand, Shing Kong shouted out to them. "We're looking for Marquis Lin of Yue! Could you guide us to him?!"

"We can, and will, once you have relinquished any weapons you may have on your person," shouts the guard whom Shing Kong had addressed. After opening the gates several armed guards approach the visitor and inform him that a search would also be required before entrance could be permitted.

[Marzy]

Shing Kong and Gan Lu looked at each other a moment before shrugging and dismounting. This really wasn't new, just unexpected from a city gate.

As the guards approached, Shing Kong took out his throwing knives and handed them over with the reins to his horse. "Take good care of Blackie and watch out for the spear there," he said with a smile as he pointed out the polearm.

Gan Lu handed his non-descript jian sword to another one of the guards along with the reins to his horse, rolling his eyes a little. He'd heard his partner point out the inappropriate name of horse too man times already...

"Search to your heart's content," the older man said sternly. "But we've relinquished all our weapons."

[Trendkill]

Shing Kong and Gan Lu looked at each other a moment before shrugging and dismounting. This really wasn't new, just unexpected from a city gate.

As the guards approached, Shing Kong took out his throwing knives and handed them over with the reins to his horse. "Take good care of Blackie and watch out for the spear there," he said with a smile as he pointed out the polearm.

Gan Lu handed his non-descript jian sword to another one of the guards along with the reins to his horse, rolling his eyes a little. He'd heard his partner point out the inappropriate name of horse too man times already...

"Search to your heart's content," the older man said sternly. "But we've relinquished all our weapons."

"Of course, we would have it no other way. Lord Lin has made it clear that all visitors to Yue are to be treated with the utmost respect, and that includes their personal property," says one guard as he approaches. Once the search was completed, and assuming no further weapons have been found, they escort the visitors to the Audience chambers after sending someone ahead to notify the Marquis. Once inside they are promptly announced.

((lol, I misread your post and thought you were assuming the city was closed up, so I rolled with it. ))

[Lin Xin]

Marzy

((no worries. The city gates are normally open so entrance into the city is assumed. ))

The Marquis was just finishing up some military reports when the guests entered. Standing, he walked around his desk before bowing to Kong and Lu.

"Welcome to Panyu gentlemen," he said with a smile. "I am Lin Xin, Marquis of Yue. You must be fatigued from your long journey. Please make yourself comfortable while refreshments are served."

He gestured to some comfy looking chairs as a servant entered with fresh tea and small desserts for the guests.

[357yangzhou]

Panyu is where Zú Yǒuzhù found Marquis Lin Xin. He approched the outer walls. He had his army marching in a formation but the spears of the soldiers where held upside down. He hoped that this action would signify a peaceful intent. He called a soldier out to assume command of the formation. Then walked through the town to it's center where the inner wall of the governance compound awaited him. As he walked to the gate, he looked on at the guard on duty. "I am here to see the Marquis," he stated to the guard dryly.

The guards quickly snap to attention at the approach of the stranger. One of them steps forward and greets the man. "Of course, we will announce your arrival as soon as a search has been conducted. Merely a formality I assure you," he admits.

((Yeah! it's Yangy. ))

(((Had to show up. Let's kick some butt! )))
"Oh well, I have nothing to hide. I left my weapon back with my companions, at the outer walls of the city." Zú Yǒuzhù holds his arms out to his sides, so that a search is more easily conducted. " You may search, of course, but you'll find no weapons."

[Marzy]

"The journey went well enough. It's good to see we've escaped the snows of the north, they're a pain to travel through," Shing Kong replied merrily.

The two waited for their host to seat himself before sitting down themselves. If he stayed standing, then... they'd just... stay standing awkwardly...

Whatever happened, Gan Lu was the next to speak. "Thank you for inviting us Marquis. I'm sure you have a few questions for us, so please, you are welcome to ask whatever you need to."

[Ni Zan]

As Ni Zan rode the last weary miles to Panyu, he reflected on the ardures of his journey. Surprisingly, while the usual traveller's enemies of wind and weather had pursued him, none of the bandits now increasingly plaguing the land had done so. He offered up a prayer to Kwan Yin in thanks.

Arriving at the city gates as the sun was setting, he inquired of the gate guards where he must go to find Marquis Lin Xin, and where he might find a reputable inn. Taking their suggestion, and slipping them a few coins, he made his way to the Lonely Dragon, there to eat and rest, so that he and his companions might be the fresher on the morrow. It would not do to present himself at the Governance Compound travel-stained and weary.

In the morning, after breakfast, he donned the finery he had brought, and followed the directions he recieved the night before. Approaching the compound, he nodded politely to the guards, and spoke.

"My name is Ni Zan. I bear a letter from the Marquis, inviting me to meet with him. Since I wish to have this honor, I have come."

[Lin Xin]

((tsup yangy. I'll let TK march you in before responding to ya.))

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Marzy

Xin noticed the two appear to wait for him to take a seat first...so he did. As they all got more comfortable, Xin poured 3 cups of tea while Gan Lu asked his question.

Looking up with a smile, the Marquis replied, "Well, much of what I've heard about you two, I felt, would be a positive contribution to this country. Like I said in the letter, with the Middle Kingdom in turmoil and the threat of a resurgent Qin tyranny, warriors, commanders, and administrators alike are direly needed. It seems in you two, Master Shing and Master Gan, fulfill the definition of all three needs."

Pausing, Xin took a sip of the sweet tea, savoring the familiar flavor, before continuing. "What I'd like to know is if your goals are compatible with ours here in Yue. So, what are your goals in this life and in this world? What has prompted you to leave the security of anonymity and travel the lands seeking a lord?"

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Ni Zan

The two guards flanking the gate into the Audience Hall snapped to attention as Ni Zan approached. Shift Commander Wen emerged as Zan spoke of the letter. "Of course, Master Ni," Wen said with a bow. "You will be escorted to see the Marquis after a search for weapons. I apologize for the inconvenience but it is an unfortunately necessary policy. Do you consent?"

[Marzy]

Shing Kong looked visibly uncomfortable with the question. He supposed there was no running from the past, however, it was his hope that it would not be brought up. After the first two lords he visited hadn't asked, he thought it wouldn't come up, though it clearly was not the case here.

"Well, Master Gan here raised me since I was a lad. Grew up in the lands of Zhao province, good land really. Anyway, he helped me study in the crafts I know so well now. But I wasn't always a... well behaved person. In fact, just recently, I'd gotten myself involved in a bit of an altercation at a tavern. One thing led to another, and the next thing I knew, I was fleeing for my life."

He picked up a cup of tea and took a sip. It wasn't quite as intoxicating or alluring as wine, but it would do. He set the tea down and continued, "If not for Gan Lu here, I'd probably be wandering around with no purpose and no home.

He came with me as I fled my home. Helped me out as I learned the lay of the land. Before, I was just a simple man of Zhao, not as interested in the affairs of the state. But things changed, and now I need to make a life for myself. I cannot do that with my head in the sand. Thus, I started traveling, and here I am. I'll be honest Marquis, I'm not all that interested in the affairs of Emperor Ying or Lords Tian or Chen or whoever else. If ever I find myself rallied to a cause I find worthy, I'll worry about it then, when I know there is a place for me in this world. For now, I just wish to craft a life for myself with the skills I have."

Again, he found himself picking up his tea. "Ha. Listen to me ramble. I didn't mean to bore you with my story Marquis."

[Lin Xin]

Marzy

Xin listened intently, fascinated by the story of this warrior's background. "Does this man even realize the depth of his experience?" he thought to himself. Leaning forward in his seat, the Marquis of Yue nodded in understanding as he said, "Believe me, I understand how you feel. Fortunately, it's not our past that defines us, but our present and future actions."

"So you wish to craft a life for yourself now, eh?" Xin smiled as he asked. "I guess I should expect you to have some questions for me as well."