Lin Xin's Audience Hall - Panyu

[Marzy]

"In fact, I do have a couple of questions. Just a couple things really," he replied before finishing off his tea.

Setting down the cup, he continued. "The first thing I want to know is about your political standing. Namely, who can I expect to be fighting and what do you think of your neighbors? I can understand if you do not wish to ask, but I feel that how we act with those next door to us show a lot about who we are."

[Trendkill]

"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."

The guards seem pleased by the mans easy going, and more importantly compliant nature, and proceed to search him quickly and efficiently. As soon as the tedious task was finished one of them, a veteran guard well in his forties, looks at Yǒuzhù and says, "Very well, you may pass."

Yǒuzhù then notices a figure standing on the other side of the gate. He appears tall and athletic with dark, deep set eyes and a ruddy complexion. From the shadows cast by his prominent brow peer two steely eyes as black as coal. As Zú Yǒuzhù draws closer the man bows and introduces himself, saying in a respectful tone, "Greetings, I am Colonel Han Liao, a servant of Marquis Lin Xin. The guards informed me that you had command over a significant force and that you bore the characteristics of a great and worthy General." As they make their way towards the city center he goes on to add, "I am quite sure that Lord Lin would wish to meet someone like you right away. You will find that he is a man who thirsts for men of merit like a horse after traversing the great Gobi, and is known to reward achievements handsomely while handing down stern discipline to those who break the law."

[Lin Xin]

"In fact, I do have a couple of questions. Just a couple things really," he replied before finishing off his tea.

Setting down the cup, he continued. "The first thing I want to know is about your political standing. Namely, who can I expect to be fighting and what do you think of your neighbors? I can understand if you do not wish to ask, but I feel that how we act with those next door to us show a lot about who we are."

"That is a very good question and basis for assessing someone," said Xin as he leaned back into his chair. "Currently, I am friendly with all my neighbors to the north in Jiujiang and Wu. We are of like mind in our goal to establish a peaceful region in the south. To the west, however, resides one ruler of questionable character. Fortunately, my allies and I have formed a coalition to stabilize Changsha and bring prosperity to its people."

"After we can successfully provide a stable and secure home for our people in the south, then who knows," he continued with a slight shrug. "Perhaps someone will emerge who may be worthy to take up the Mandate of Heaven and restore peace to all of the Middle Kingdom. If there is such a person, he will have my whole-hearted supported. Until then, my friends and I will work to prevent the chaos gripping the rest of this land from spreading south."

[357yangzhou]

The guards seem pleased by the mans easy going, and more importantly compliant nature, and proceed to search him quickly and efficiently. As soon as the tedious task was finished one of them, a veteran guard well in his forties, looks at Yǒuzhù and says, "Very well, you may pass."

Yǒuzhù then notices a figure standing on the other side of the gate. He appears tall and athletic with dark, deep set eyes and a ruddy complexion. From the shadows cast by his prominent brow peer two steely eyes as black as coal. As Zú Yǒuzhù draws closer the man bows and introduces himself, saying in a respectful tone, "Greetings, I am Colonel Han Liao, a servant of Marquis Lin Xin. The guards informed me that you had command over a significant force and that you bore the characteristics of a great and worthy General." As they make their way towards the city center he goes on to add, "I am quite sure that Lord Lin would wish to meet someone like you right away. You will find that he is a man who thirsts for men of merit like a horse after traversing the great Gobi, and is known to reward achievements handsomely while handing down stern discipline to those who break the law."

Yǒuzhù bowed a greating, then speaks, "Colonel Han, it is true that i have soldiers. In fact they await at the city walls. They are a well behaved battalion, so there will be no trouble from them. As far as me having the characteristics of a great general; I will take that for what it is, but I feel I have yet to prove my worth." Zú Yǒuzhù looks to the Colonel with genuine respect and states, "Colonel, I would say my best talent would be as a smith; and though I am no stranger to a battlefield, my role has been only supportive in nature."
As they made there way to the audiance hall, a thought crossed Yǒuzhù's mind, and he uttered the words, "As we have spoken of worth; tell me Colonel, what drew you to Marquis Lin, what have you gathered of his persona?"

(((OOC: Happy birthday Trendkill!)))

[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?"

Of course.

[Lin Xin]

Of course.

Ni Zan was quickly and efficiently searched for hidden weapons before being guided to Xin's public office. As usual, two guards were posted outside the main doors while another 10 or so were situated along the walls inside the room. The administrator announced the presence of Ni Zan to the Marquis of Yue, who looked up from his reports.

Standing, he walked around his desk and bowed to the guest. "Welcome to Yue Master Ni. I am glad you received by letter. How has your travels been so far? Did you get a chance to enjoy the peaceful and beautiful Yue landscape?"

[Ni Zan]

Ni Zan bowed deeply.

I thank you for your welcome, Lord Lin. It is an honor to meet you. My travels have been an opportunity to learn something of what passes in parts of our country to which I have never been before. I must say that Yue is indeed beautiful, and seems more proseperous and harmonious than much of the North.

[Trendkill]

Yǒuzhù bowed a greating, then speaks, "Colonel Han, it is true that i have soldiers. In fact they await at the city walls. They are a well behaved battalion, so there will be no trouble from them. As far as me having the characteristics of a great general; I will take that for what it is, but I feel I have yet to prove my worth." Zú Yǒuzhù looks to the Colonel with genuine respect and states, "Colonel, I would say my best talent would be as a smith; and though I am no stranger to a battlefield, my role has been only supportive in nature."
As they made there way to the audiance hall, a thought crossed Yǒuzhù's mind, and he uttered the words, "As we have spoken of worth; tell me Colonel, what drew you to Marquis Lin, what have you gathered of his persona?"

((Thank you. ))

Liao raises an eyebrow at hearing Yǒuzhù's valid question. "Most of all, I joined him because he is sincere and forthright. A man of true integrity. Tyrants and warlords are as common as the leaves of a tree, but men of character are a precious rarity these days. He truly seeks the prosperity of the south above all else," he says proudly as they approach the doors to the audience chamber. Before entering he turns to Yǒuzhù and asks with a smile, "Is there anything else you would like to know before I present you to the Marquis? I would be happy to relieve any uncertainty you may have but, to be quite honest, Lord Lin, once you have met him in person, will be far more able than I."

[Lin Xin]

Ni Zan bowed deeply.

I thank you for your welcome, Lord Lin. It is an honor to meet you. My travels have been an opportunity to learn something of what passes in parts of our country to which I have never been before. I must say that Yue is indeed beautiful, and seems more proseperous and harmonious than much of the North.

Xin nods, satisfied at the man's acute observations. Gesturing towards some seats while a servant entered with tea and some light food, he says, "Come, take a seat and get more comfortable."

The Marquis took a seat himself and pour Zan and himself a cup of tea before saying, "Now, you know why I asked you to come. Someone who has both leadership and administrative skills is a rarity. The people of this land will prosper under your oversight and protection. As I spread my influence and become responsible for the safety and protection of more people, I will need officers such as you to assist me.

"But I'm sure you have a few questions for me before you can decide if my cause is worthy of your talent," Xin concluded before taking a sip of his tea.

[357yangzhou]

Liao raises an eyebrow at hearing Yǒuzhù's valid question. "Most of all, I joined him because he is sincere and forthright. A man of true integrity. Tyrants and warlords are as common as the leaves of a tree, but men of character are a precious rarity these days. He truly seeks the prosperity of the south above all else," he says proudly as they approach the doors to the audience chamber. Before entering he turns to Yǒuzhù and asks with a smile, "Is there anything else you would like to know before I present you to the Marquis? I would be happy to relieve any uncertainty you may have but, to be quite honest, Lord Lin, once you have met him in person, will be far more able than I."

Yǒuzhù raised a slight smile at the edges of his mouth, but it was the look in his eyes that signaled his true feeling, of hope, at hearing the words. He spoke frankly in his next sentance, "Colonel, you have but to ask the servant his opinion of his lord, to get a gauge of that lord. I think that I may have come to the right man, by what you have said."
Yǒuzhù bowed once again to the Colonel saying, "If this goes well, I'm sure we will be having more conversations," and bided his time while the Marquis was informed of his presence.