Lin Xin's Audience Hall - Panyu

YoungBoi · Post by **YoungBoi** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:17 pm

"Gronchi go where Zhao Feng go!" Gronchi blurted out suddenly, a bit slow on the draw.

(Gronchi joins. Sorry for the late post.)

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:26 am

Lin Xin wrote:The Marquis smiled as the envoy was entered the Audience Chamber. "Welcome Chief Aide Bing," he said. "How is Prefect Zhi doing? It has been a few months since we last spoke."

Bing bowed humbly to the Marquis as he arrived in the hall, and offered a careful grin in return. "It is a pleasure to meet you face to face, Lord Lin. Lady Zhi sends you her warmest wishes, and is very pleased with the progress you have made in making Yue province a unified and stable state that serves its people's safety, much like she is attempting to do in the lands of Wu."

"However, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding your recent military expansions that needs to be soothed," added the young messenger, "And so I have also been charged by the Prefect to inquire as to the Marquis' current disposition on the border of our lands, and that of fellow Prefects Yi Tao of Cheng De and Fu Tong of Kuaiji."

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:26 pm

The Marquis smiled and replied, "Please give your lady my regards as well," before placing his hand on his chin as he thought of the envoy's question.

"Right now, I see the current threat to be in Jiujiang. Fu Tong of Kuaiji has not shown much motivation to influence outside of Wu. You could probably tell me more about his efforts in ensuring stability in Wu."

"I have not yet contacted Prefect Yi Tao yet but trust that he is a good person if Marquis Yi Lian entrusted the city of Cheng De to his care."

Leaning back in his seat and resting his hands on the armrest, the Marquis penetrated the envoy with eyess. "What do you wish to truly ask me? I doubt your lady is truly interested in my relations with Fu Tong and Yi Tao."

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 6:12 pm

The envoys demeanor became more serious now. "Ah, you are very perceptive, Marquis Lin. Truly worthy of your title," began the young man, bowing his head. "Then I am sure that you understand the chaos that has erupted across the breadth of Yi Lian's lands with her and her confidante Shen Ling's demise. Jiang Sei of the Huainan coasts and Zhi Cheng are committed to stepping in for their deceased mistress to restore stability at all costs, but the Prefect is very concerned what your own force's views are on these events. There are many foes of the former Marquis Yi who would like to see lawlessness reign in her domain, or use this weakness for personal gain... and my lady sincerely hopes that you do not count yourself among them."

After Bing had said this he once again bowed his head in deference, hoping that the powerful provincial lord would be an ally and not an enemy.

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:38 am

"Yes," replied the Marquis of Yue with a sad nod. "I have heard of the unfortunate demise of my ally and friend. I am glad to hear that your lady will play a part in trying to keep the fragmented realm together."

"Already, I am feeling the pressure to join against the former Marquis of Huainan. I have sent diplomatic missions to every lord in the southern lands in an attempt to stop the bloodshed and restore peace. However, they are hell-bent on the destruction of Yi Lian's kingdom. I have given this matter much thought and can only see two realistic courses of action."

Leaning forward, Xin gestured with his hand to show his emphasis on this next point. "The alliance between Lady Yi and I technically ended upon her death. However, I still hold an affinity towards your people and do not wish to become embroiled in a side war while the Qin still exists and threaten my western flank. Therefore, the first course of action is, I ask that your Lady Zhi or Jiang Sei, whoever is going to be nominally in charge, gather what's left of Yi Lian's holdings and declare loyalty to me. I will then assist in protecting all our people."

Leaning back into his seat again, the Marquis of Yue sighed. "If you refuse option 1, then the second option is I make peace with the King of Chu and take Wu for myself. That is the only way to ensure a semblance of peace and stability in the south, while ensuring that I remain competitive to thwart their aggressions. Then, we can focus again on ridding this land of the Qin. So, it is your lady's choice. I pray she chooses wisely."

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:53 am

"It is a very grave choice to make, Marquis," nodded the scholar in sad realization, "A bitter medicine for an equally sour situation that we all face. I ask you forgive me that I have not the authority to make such a decision in Lady Zhi's stead. I shall, then, return to Wu with great haste and deliver your... ultimatum to the Prefect. Like vultures to a carcass, the armies of the conspirators encroach upon our borders more by the minute, and a solution must be found before we are consumed by their hatred of all that Lady Yi Lian stood for."

He bowed once more and would make to leave, unless the Lord of Yue would have anything further to discuss.

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:55 pm

The Marquis nodded. "Yes, we all must make these difficult choices," he said with another sigh. "But make no mistake, I did not make this...ultimatum as you say...lightly. Huainan and Wu will fall one way or another. The choice is would you rather someone like me, who will continue to hold the ideals that Lady Yi strove for, or would you rather those people be subject to Xiang Jun or Xiang Kai. With me, Lady Zhi and Lord Jiang will continue to play an integral role in the protection and reconstruction of those provinces. With the Xiangs...well...I cannot guarantee you anything then."

After a brief pause, Xin raised his hand and said, "You are excused to leave. Please make haste back to Wu for the tides of war will soon be upon us."

Nash · Post by **Nash** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:23 am

A small cavalcade arrives the west, although it doesn't bear the Qin emblems throughought the entirety of its travals, it does as it nears LIn Xin's city. The commander rides to the forefront and calls out to the gatekeepers.

Zu Pi: I am Captain Zu Pi of the Qin Imperial Army! I come bearing a diplomat from the capital. I request to see Marquis Lin.

With him was a handful of cavalry soldiers and a carriage, that seemed almost more like a prison than a carriage.

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:26 pm

Nash wrote:A small cavalcade arrives the west, although it doesn't bear the Qin emblems throughought the entirety of its travals, it does as it nears LIn Xin's city. The commander rides to the forefront and calls out to the gatekeepers.

Zu Pi: I am Captain Zu Pi of the Qin Imperial Army! I come bearing a diplomat from the capital. I request to see Marquis Lin.

With him was a handful of cavalry soldiers and a carriage, that seemed almost more like a prison than a carriage.

The guards snap to attention while the Shift Commander approaches Zu Pi with a bow. "Welcome to Yue. The diplomat is welcome as well as one escort. However, all must be searched prior to entering the Audience Hall. Do you consent?"

Nash · Post by **Nash** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:32 pm

Zu Pi couldn't help but smile as he shrugged.

Zu Pi: Physically search Imperial Envoys? Well, I'm just a schmuck liuetenant, however the Royal Inspector might have something to say about that.

He motioned back to the carriage with a wink and chuckled, essentially also giving consent to search the 'diplomat' once he was dragged from the carriage. He was dressed like an official of worth, but seemed like he hadn't been treated well on the trip or before it.

Zu Pi: I do ask that at least two of my men be allowed to accompany the two of us inside, though. The Royal Inspector requires...attendants, as is his right, after all.