Zhi Cheng's Audience Hall - Jiangcheng

357yangzhou · Post by **357yangzhou** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:29 am

Zú Yǒuzhù stands by as the conversation proceeds.

Lin Xin · Post by **Lin Xin** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:48 am

Numinous wrote:Ro Aoi

The Prefect nodded. "A most... difficult question we all face. I do not know who shall rise up... but for now I must worry about protecting the lands that the late Lady Yi Lian tasked me to watch over. To decide the fate of the empire is yet beyond me... but Heaven may yet smile upon the Duke before all is over."

Folding her hands in her lap, the pale woman leveled that haunting gaze at the envoy. "My apologies for digressing... Will there be any other business to discuss today, sir Ro?"

With a bow, Aoi said, "No, that is all I have today Prefect. Is there any message you would like me to bring back to Yue?"

Trendkill · Post by **Trendkill** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:54 am

Numinous wrote:Her burgundy eyes drifted back towards the visitor now, as a studied gaze ran over the strong man's features, trying to gauge his ability and honesty. "Though I hold the rule of law and its unbiased tenets of reward and punishment in high regard and have done my best to combat the banditry prevalent in Wu... do not think that my justice is blind. I know when it is the economic circumstance, rather than the heart of a man that causes him to tread down the path of the highwayman and brigand." Her pale face then stretched into a wan smile. "Your great regard for the value of your own word and that of your master shows me that you are not a criminal any longer... but merely a man who needs the proper venue to apply his skills for the greater whole. If you believe that such a chance can be found here, and not with the Duke of Yue, then I am more than happy to give you the means to tread that different path..."

Liao listened intently as the fair mannered prefect recounted her tale. He didn't know much about the Qin, other than how they had failed to see to the well being of their people, and it only served to reinforce his previous suspicions about them. Her observations into the reasons why some men resorted to criminal behavior proved to him that she was not just elegant, but that she was indeed very wise. When she comments on his needing a proper venue he nods his head in agreement, although it also serves to remind him of how much he believed he had found that chance with his former Lord. He looks to Yǒuzhù, feeling a bit guilty for monopolizing the conversation, and smiles to him as if to apologize with an expression.

Looking back to Lady Zhi he then says, "Despite our having just met I feel that you already know me well. I wasn't sure what to expect upon coming here, but you have certainly exceeded anything I could have imagined. I believe that the laws are there to provide stability to the people, and your passion for them tells me that you will do great things. If you will have this soldier who lacks any measure of real talent, then I would gladly spill my blood in the pursuit of what you seek to build, and to protect that which you wish to hold." With that said he prostrates himself at her feet and touches his head to the floor in gratitude.

357yangzhou · Post by **357yangzhou** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 3:05 pm

Yǒuzhù looks at Liao, and wanders if he should do the same, or if he should tell the prefect why he had left the Dukes service. He options to take a knee and speak his peace. "Lady Zhi, I joined Duke Lin on the premise that he was going to unite the Yue people. Insted of moving north and joining his people, The Duke opted to spread westward. I do not fault him for his decission, but it is clear that we are not of like mind. I wish him well on his path, but it is not a road that I shall fallow," Yǒuzhù said then added, "I have noticed that there is a community of Yue within your lands, Mistress. Perhaps you are the leader that I seek. If you would have me, I will serve you," Yǒuzhù finishes and bows to the ground.

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:14 am

Ro Aoi

The Prefect nodded. "Then please tell Duke Lin to expect an envoy from me before long to discuss several intricate matters I have brought up with you, and to remain vigilant should the northern invaders return to plague us. I also wish him well in his western campaigns."

With the message delivered Zhi Cheng gave a subtle wave of her hand, before he was guided back to the entrance where his men were waiting patiently. "May your journey back be safe, sir Ro."

Men of Yue

Prefect Zhi nodded to both of the men, and smiled vaguely as they prostrated themselves before her chair. Though this was the acceptable thing to do when swearing one's allegiance to a master, she could not help but feel the officers deserved better than it. Her milky hands beckoned them to arise. "Please... there is no need for you to bow so low to one such as I. I am not the Emperor, nor am I even as great as you say.... indeed, there are many superstitious folk who even fear my appearance as something less than human. All I ask is that you give the proper respect, and approach the tasks I assign with the same vigor you have displayed to me today. Stand tall now as servants of Wu... Han Liao, Zú Yǒuzhù... and lend me your aid in forming a great nation, one that can serve as an example of order to stem the sea of chaos."

Lady Zhi had raised her voice on this diatribe to what was indeed a very noble tone, but it was soon interrupted by a small fit of coughing that forced her to pause. Though her ideals were great, her health obviously was poor. It was no surprise, being that the albino had likely been born this way... and this was the true reason for her reclusive nature. Still, she regained her ladylike composure with some effort and added: " I also wish to learn more of the Yue that you speak of within my borders... perhaps we can cause your former master to reconsider his choices regarding the roots of his support."

Trendkill · Post by **Trendkill** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:35 pm

Liao rose to his feet as instructed and a feeling of relief washes over him. He had been concerned that no Lord would ever want his services again after leaving his former. He smiles and nods his head in agreement at the suggestion that they might one day get Lord Lin to reconsider his current path, an idea that would help in alleviating much of the guilt he bore at having departed. Wanting to allow Yǒuzhù a chance to comment on the matters of Yue, he simply says, "Though I may not be as skilled as others in the ways of warfare, my determination to ensure your protection is strong. Whatever you ask of me, know that I shall spare no measures in accomplishing."

((OI posted.))

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:21 am

The Prefect of Jiangcheng nodded once and bid a servant to take Han Liao and his companion Zu to their quarters. "The time to put your words to the test is not far off. But for now, please rest awhile from your journey... the river province's hospitality is at your command."

(Welcome aboard!)

Xian · Post by **Xian** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:59 am

Journeying through the rivers of the southern coasts, the blue waters here lifted the spirits and refreshed the weary traveler from the west as he made his way to the estate of the Marquess of Wu. Apparently she was a very skilled statesman and eager to encourage trade here in the region far away from the Qin's chaos and corruption. He was certainly impressed with the letter he received from this mysterious Legalist, and sought to take her up on her generous offer.

Pulling up his horse to the front gates, he then dismounted and bowed to the men on watch and produced a rolled up scroll of recommendation bearing Wu's burgundy seal. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am Mian Jujiang, former Chief Magistrate of Chu. I've been summoned by the Marquess to consult on business and political matters, and should be expected by the Lady Zhi. if you would escort me to her chambers I would be grateful."

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:40 am

The guardsman Ma Zhong bowed and studied the scroll offered to verify it's authenticity, and when he was satisfied stood aside and summoned an escort for the visitor. "I welcome you to the lands of Wu, magistrate. The Marquess is indeed expecting your arrival. To know you have come will certainly buoy her spirits. Please, enter."

After being guided through the offices and shadowed halls of the manse, the businessman was finally led to the subdued study-turned-seat of her provincial authority, when the pale ruler sat. She arose from her resting place on the bronze seat and gave a nod of her head, movements like that of a ghost, swaddled however in very real rich red garments. Her face however was filled with warmth and a genuine surprise at the guest, as she made sure he was seated comfortably near her desk and refreshments nearby should he desire them.

"Sir Mian, it is a great pleasure to have you as my guest here in Jiangcheng. If you have appeared on such short notice, then I daresay that you are interested in my offer?" began the woman, folding her fine hand sin her lap as the ruddy gaze passed over him several times. "It is of course, just as I have written: now that the province is united and the state's influence expanding, I am requiring those with the knowledge and skills to ensure good governance is maintained.. and your experience with commerce would be an invaluable asset to the prosperity of the Great River's lands. I have heard nothing but praise from the King of Chu of your work in this season, and desire for you to continue your climb up the ranks under my banner for as long as you are able." The woman then focused her gaze and hung expectantly. "So will you accept? The office of Prefect of Kuaiji awaits you with open arms."

Xian · Post by **Xian** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:53 am

The merchant and statesman rendered a bow and had a seat, rubbing his goatee for a moment in thought. "Ah, your offer is most certainly a generous one, Marquess. Though it is not so much prestige I am after, but a chance for a fresh environment it work in. Your principles seem very ambitious and sense of justice strong, qualities which remind me of my elder Master Ji. I would be very interested helping during this transition from the administration from Magistrate Fu Tong to your incoming rule, as it is a very sensitive time - both for great profits to be realized and great mistakes to ruin said opportunities."

After thinking another moment. "I will serve you then, in good conscience and mutual benefit, my Lady Zhi. Though I must warn you not to become too reliant on my wisdom for the long term health of your economy... as a merchant, my spirit always must be traveling and should that happen I ask you to allow me the ability to depart at the time of my choosing."