Matt wrote:(OOC: No worries, I don't expect to see myself doing the umlaut every post, it's a bit of a hassle.)
Lu bowed deeply and saluted his hosts. "You are correct, good sir. I am of the humble Lu household, a collection of people who have done no great service to any government they have served. They are collectors of meager office positions and men of little worth in comparison to the officers under your command. However, I still wished to present myself to you."
He paused for a moment, and sighed. "It is true, I did not expect to hear a myriad of talents begging a meeting with the Lord. However, it does not worry me his lineage nor 'barbarian' claims from some of the less knowledgeable people claiming their own power. Men who should dismiss such a talent surely look only to protect their own family's status and rank, not caring for what is truly best for our land.
With the subjugation of the Linjiang province, the Ouhuan should rightly be declared a King for all in the land to rejoice, acknowledged by the government for his deeds. It is regrettable that people should ignore such worth to preserve their own petty goals." He spoke quietly, with a calm demeanor. Before continuing, he made an abrasive noise from the back of his throat and coughed. "I myself possess no great talent for winning the hearts of men, yet I am intelligent and able in most duties. I have studied the works on war, and pray that I may put my knowledge to even the most basic use as organizing the guard of a town. I should also like to learn more of domestics, yet I fear my talents will go to waste if I do not seek out a man of talent to guide my course."
He bowed again, and nodded slowly to himself. "It is why I felt so keen to greet the Ouhuan. He has a reputation for being an able leader of men, and I should selfishly wish to prosper under his guidance only to repay him with any service he may wish of me."
The young ruler nods gravely. "You, Lu Shan, seem to possess many of the qualities that I value. Ambition, self-awareness, and an open mind. I, too, one day hope to study arts 'domestic', that have application beyond the current state of the middle kingdom, but I fear that it will be long before any of us have that time to spare. "
Zhan stands and begins to pace, restless in the chair as he is still relatively new to his role. "Unfortunately, your skill and knowledge in making war would be the skills most useful to the Ouhuan at this time. Most of us are learning as we progress. I myself was a mere administrator in the heirarchy of Yong but a few months ago, and before that a scandalous wastrel of a young man, with little filial piety. It seems that at these times Heaven blesses some men to be more than they are.
Bai Zhan pauses in his pacing. "We have a strong field commander, but lack the trained, strategic mind of one who could organize and lead those responsible for supply and some of the less... Martial... Tactics that can be effective in battle. Did your studies lead in such directions?"
