Huang Zhao's Audience Hall - Bei Di

[chandler_19]

Huang Zhao listened to both men without interfering. Since Bai Zhan looked like he didn't want to speak for the moment, Huang Zhao replied.

Huang Zhao These words of peace sound a little false to my hears after your last month stunt. I must admit that it is extremely hard for me to thrust you after being obliged to defend Bei Di against an invasion and to abandoned Gaonu.

Huang Zhao paused and then interrogated the men.

Huang Zhao Three parties attacked me last month, only two of them are represented right now. Where is Ni Zan?

Huang Zhao waited for an answer.

[VoShay]

"Ni Zan has promised peace, and we did not seek him out to attend today. He has already given you his word." He steepled his hands, and bowed slightly. "Beyond the fact that the man who agressed you is dead, and we come apologetically, you promised Magistrate Niou Gaonu, to work together for peace, then betrayed his trust. Is this any more distasteful, or does it sooth your spirit and the heavens that you betrayed a village headmen, which is far less important then you, Prefect, who was betrayed by Lao Wangzi? "

He spread his hands in an aqueiscing, peaceful manner. "I come in peace, a different man then your attacker. I come bearing 1000 taels as reperations for this farcical battle, and offering membership and hegemony of Di, for Siou has agreed to work with and under you, as long as Ganou remains his. Join us, so we may secure this land, and bring in an age of prosperity. I am prepared to give 1000 taels every month, so that a proper army can be established in Di... under you, Prefect. With us, Di may never fear outside agression again."

[gravenimages]

Zhan's attention had been focussed more on Ka Ne than the proceedings, watching the man's mannerisms and no doubt drawing comparisons to Lao Wang Zhi. As such he nearly missed his chance to speak.

"Oh, and, if you'll have us, I and a few of my closest friends will remain in Di to serve your administration. I am a passable administrator and diplomat, as well as a capable field officer. "

[chandler_19]

After he listened to Ka Ne, Huang Zhao let the time to Niou Sui to add something. After a long and uncomfortable silence, he answered to Ka Ne.

Huang Zhao I already had that conversation with Niou Sui about that mistake and told him that it was a miscalculations from my side and a lack of foreseeing. I will be hypocrite to deny him the right to rule, since I have the same backgroud then he does. Gaonu is yours, we will be the one who will choose his new administrator.

Huang was clearly uncomfortable when he paused.

Huang Zhao As for me joining your brotherhood, I feel uneasiness. You claim to be in search of unity for China, while you ally yourself with Ying Fusu's administration, a relic of the now decading Qin dynasty. The same dynasty who let China crumble into chaos because of the corruption, the greed, the ambition and the pride of the officials representing it.

Huang paused and then continued.

Huang Zhao Maybe it is a misunderstanding of your goals and ambitions that prevents me to accept your offer on the spot. But if you accept to let my humble administration stay an independant entity in your Brotherhood, while I learn about your cause and your goals. If you accept that I conserve the right to make my own decision about the civil and military administration of Bei Di and the surrounding villages and towns, i will be more incline to accept your offer. I wish peace for Di.

Huang paused one last time.

Huang Zhao As for your monetary contribution, I do not want ask for more then the 1000 taels, you just offered me. For the rest, I will ask you the permission of Qingcheng and the remaining villages under my care. In exchange, I will propose the service of my armies for every defensive campaign in Di and will allow observers from your kingdom to be part of my administration. These shall be temporary measures until I fully embrace your vision.

[VoShay]

"Fusu and the Meng brothers were exiled by the corrupt court and former emperor, for not being like them. They are a different breed, Prefect.' He said softly. "As for Gaonu, it is yours as much as ours with your vassalage. You will be vassal to Rui Jiao Jin, Marquis of Yong. Bai Zhan and what men he requests will be part of the administration here. In time, when you join with us fully, you will be responsible for all of Di, and we will provide gold and armaments for the army you raise. For now, we will secure the remaining free-standing villages and towns, and give them to you, as a sign of faith. Is there anything else, Prefect Huang?"

[Satyrus]

Niou Sui had remained quiet through the rest of the conversation he was just as curious as Zhan about how the new leader of the Brotherhood handled things.

When he heard Ka Ne reiterate those same accusations he himself had shouted only a few short weeks ago, Niou Sui understood how hollow they truly were.

As Ka Ne continued, Niou Sui had to resist the impulse to raise an eyebrow at the man's seeming confidence that Huang Zhao would join the brotherhood, but once more he kept silent.

"Master Huang Zhao I will also assure that no harm comes between our two forces again. I have Goanu and you Bei Di and that should be enough. Di has seen much strife and the time to rebuild a strong bastion of civility and order is here."

Niou Sui glanced over at Ka Ne for any hint of objection, and then continued anyway.

"I said many things I regret at our last meeting, but two particular things are of great importance now. The first is that I believed we could have beem friends had we met at a different time and that is still true. The second is that I made clear that I thought friendship was impossible, and I now believe that to be false. Our goals are much the same and we have both worked to the betterment of Di. Let us put the scars of war behind us and look to a plentiful and peaceful future in our province."

[chandler_19]

Huang Zhao turned to both to Dia Du and Fei Qian. They spoke to each other for a long moment, the discussion seemed animated. Nothing was audible for Bai Zhan, Ka Be or Niou Sui. After this long moment of waiting, Huang Zhao turned by to his visitors.

Huang Zhao I have already told you that I will accept peace between our 2 kingdoms. But my kingdom will be an independant vassal of your greater kingdom. I and my officers will continue to control our army and our belongings. The main reason of our army will be to defend Di against any invaders.

Huang Zhao paused.

Huang Zhao We are accepting the nomination of Niou Sui as prefect of Gaonu. He is an important man in the province. We will aid you to maintain the supply lines between your kingdom and Gaonu.

Huang Zhao paused one last time.

Huang Zhao If these terms are acceptable for you, Di will enter a new era of peace and prosperity.

[VoShay]

"I agree eagerly, Prefect Huang." He said, bowing. He had nothing else to add, but was sure Bai or Niou might.

[357yangzhou]

A young boy strolls casually up to the gaurds of the audiance hall and presents them with a silk. "This is from Zú Yǒuzhù, my mentor" . The outside case of the silk reads "This message is for Lord Huang Zhao's eyes only". The boy bows and waits for a response.