Lin Xin's Audience Hall - Panyu

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:42 am

Xin stood and returned the bow.

"I bid you safe journey then Master Ni. Please let us know should you ever need anything."

In Ferro Veritas · Post by **In Ferro Veritas** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:52 pm

It was quite a trek from Wei to Yue, through war-ravaged lands and pauper cities. The province of Yue was somewhat different, and appeared mildly wealthy. It was bloody cold in Wei at this time of year, but Yue was still fairly warm, the cities moreso. Undaunted, the woman approached the administrative center on foot. There was no going back, so she had sold her horse to some merchant.

Clad in her usual black and red robes, and with her hair tied up, she navigated her way through the city. A pair of stoic guards flanked a gate with some bold boast written above it, a bit too far off to make out at a distance. She noted it at she approached.

She offered a letter to the guard on the left, as well as her dagger. He presentation was terse and to the point.

"I am here to see the esteemed Marquis of Yue."

Trendkill · Post by **Trendkill** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:14 am

In Ferro Veritas wrote:It was quite a trek from Wei to Yue, through war-ravaged lands and pauper cities. The province of Yue was somewhat different, and appeared mildly wealthy. It was bloody cold in Wei at this time of year, but Yue was still fairly warm, the cities moreso. Undaunted, the woman approached the administrative center on foot. There was no going back, so she had sold her horse to some merchant.

Clad in her usual black and red robes, and with her hair tied up, she navigated her way through the city. A pair of stoic guards flanked a gate with some bold boast written above it, a bit too far off to make out at a distance. She noted it at she approached.

She offered a letter to the guard on the left, as well as her dagger. He presentation was terse and to the point.

"I am here to see the esteemed Marquis of Yue."

As she approach Lady Xiao notices the guards seem to be in high spirits. A certain buzz seemed to be circulating throughout the city as word of Lin Xin's recent victory had arrived not too long ago, inciting many to hold their heads high, unable to contain their admiration for their protector. The guard readily accepts the letter and, once it's authenticity is verified, and nods his head as he says in a polite tone, "Of course, all seems to be in order. We'll have to ensure that you have no concealed weapons though."

In Ferro Veritas · Post by **In Ferro Veritas** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:32 am

Across this land, the woman mused, nobles claim they are nothing like one another. And yet they all have the same request...

"If it is required," she responded, "then I shall comply."

Trendkill · Post by **Trendkill** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:21 am

In Ferro Veritas wrote:Across this land, the woman mused, nobles claim they are nothing like one another. And yet they all have the same request...

"If it is required," she responded, "then I shall comply."

Respectfully the guards conduct the search, though light in spirit, they still had a job to do, and do so with precision. Once completed, and assuming no weapons are found, they escort the young lady to the audience hall of the Marquis where she is announced formally to Lord Lin.

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:28 am

The Marquis was reorganizing his forces as Lady Xiao was introduced. Immediately, he stood and walked around his desk. Bowing in greeting, Xin says, "Ah, Lady Xiao. I've been looking forward to meeting you. Welcome to Yue."

In Ferro Veritas · Post by **In Ferro Veritas** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 3:07 am

Xiao Jing offered a bow in response to the man. She noted the presence of a desk, which was, perhaps, a subtle hint that the man actually did work instead of forcing everyone else to do it. Or he enjoyed playing at politician while his underlings did all the meaningful work.

"Honored Marquis, I presume. Your people seem genuinely pleased with themselves. I would wager you have triumphed against some evil host on some field. If that is the case, I offer my congratulations, such as they are.

"I did not, however, travel here to congratulate you on winning a battle. I have come to seek employment. I have a few questions to pose to you, and I suspect you have at least one for me. So how would the daughter of a rich merchant be of service to the most honorable Marquis of Yue?"

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:54 am

In Ferro Veritas

Xin smiled as he indicated for the lady to take a seat. As she moves to sit, he does the same in the seat opposite her. "Thank you Lady Xiao, for we have taken a great step in securing the southern lands with our recent victory in Changsha."

As he spoke, a servant entered with tea and small desserts, placing them on the table between them. Pouring two cups of tea, Xin continued, "With my growing responsibility, I have a growing need for talented people to assist me in ensuring the peace and stability we have achieved. I believe you have a gift in persuasion and diplomacy? Would seeking potential recruits as well as overseeing my diplomatic corps be tasks that interest you?"

In Ferro Veritas · Post by **In Ferro Veritas** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:39 am

[Why am I awake at this ungodly hour?]

The aspiring politician took the offered seat, intrigued by the carefully neutral presentation.

"I do like to think I have some small talent in diplomacy," the woman smiled. "I take some small pride in noticing things others do not, and approaching the resolution of certain matters differently. I suppose that would make me both useful to my master, and a danger to those that oppose him, overtly or covertly.

"I would like to know more about this 'overseeing' of this 'diplomatic corps' of yours. The prospect of being invested with authority without being first vetted strikes me as peculiar, unless you are a man who does not stand on tradition. But while you may not be terribly interested in one of your prospective subordinates, I must say that I am interested in... you.

"Honored Marquis, I have something of a difficult question to pose to you. I am interested in knowing what it is that drives you. What insatiable hunger compels you to press forward, in the face of adversity and armed resistance?"

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:01 am

((It's 3pm where I'm at.

))

Xin sat back, intrigued at the insightful comments from one so young. With a smile, he replied, "You are correct in stating that investing authority without first vetting is peculiar. I've found one of the better ways to determine the character of someone is through truthful interaction. Your response to my questions tell me that you are not one to rush into things...the ability to maintain a level head is crucial to diplomatic negotiations, as well as more 'covert' missions."

After taking a sip of the Yue tea, Xin continues, "And I am curious as to why you asserted that I 'may not be terribly interested in' a prospective subordinate."

"But, first, I shall answer your question. My passion is to provide peace and security to the people. When Qin Shi Huang Di passed, several of his lackey's abandoned their positions and left many people leaderless and in disorder. As I sought to stablize an area, I found more people in need...and so I pressed on...and will continue to do so until Heaven finds one worthy of the Mandate."