Jiang Sei's Audience Hall - Huainan

[Freefall]

With a bow, the soliders on duty escort the ambassador and his party through the administrative complex into the courtyard beyond. Once in the massive courtyard the ambassador and his party see an a series of buildings surronding a regal courtyard, at the end of the eastern edge of the courtyard is a large merchant ship which is docked and reinforced to function as a formal building.

They can see officers and advisors walking up and down the larger reinforced plank up onto and into the ship. As the soliders escorted the group closer to the ship it becomes obvious their destination is the vessel itelf. Greeted by a robed minister, the man bows his head...

Jin Taishi: Greetings my Lord, I am Jin Taishi, Civil Offical and confident of the Marqius. He is unavailable at the moment, and I am not sure when to expect his return. He is with our armies in the Jiujang conflict along with your force. I speak with his voice in his absence, perhaps I can assist you.

[Zhudi]

Sha followed the soldier as he was led through the administrative complex. When he saw the floating "office building", he thought Well, if one needs to evacuate in a hurry, having everything already loaded onto a ship would be very convenient.

After the robed minister spoke, Sha bowed and said, "Thank you for welcoming me, Minister Jin. I have an important proposal to discuss with the Marquis, one that may redraw the lines of power throughout the South. It is of the greatest importance that I speak with the Marquis directly, since only he himself could approve or disapprove of Changsha/Yue's proposal. I have already visited Wu with promising results, so the enactment of this plan just depends on the Marquis Jiang Sei."

He continued, "I am willing to travel to Jiujiang to meet with him if you can provide me directions and a small escort. If you can not, I am willing to wait here until his return."

[Freefall]

The minister bowed and asked the diplomat to wait but a moment. Soon after a small contigent of soliders came, mounted on horses with an extra handful for the ambassdor and his team.

Jin Taishi: If it is of importance Minister, I shall see your escorted to the command area of the battle.

The group mounts up and begins the ride into Jiujang. Utilzing the roads being taken by the supply convoys the group finds their way to allied armies some days after their depature from Huaiyin. With a handful of salutes, the minister and his entrouge are escorted to a large pavilion that has been erected in a dark blue cloth. Inside a series of officers and generals are discussing last minute details while the Marqius's tall frame is being armored. Nearby a general sighs as he speaks to his liege...

Dang: My Lord, I wish you would not go into battle like this.

Jiang: General Dang, it is my place to be with those who would give their lives for our lands. What kind of ruler sits idley by while his men spill their blood.

Cong: A smart one....

The exchange brings a series of laughter from the assembled host as the minister from Yue is intorduced. Beckoning over Sha, the marqius takes a seat at a nearby table gesturing for the ambassador to do likewise...

Jiang: This will be intresting...What brings my friends ambassador to my tent on teh eve of a battle that I fight alongside his forces?

[Zhudi]

Upon seeing the Marquis, the minister from Yue bowed and then sat down in the seat that was offered. Sitting back in his chair, Sha Zukang began to tell his story. "Marquis Jiang Sei, I bring to you a proposal from Changsha. In particular, from Marquis Long Rurong and Supreme Commander Ma Zhudi, who both are currently on a military campaign in Nanyang and may come to Jiujiang next month depending on how this upcoming battle goes."

He pauses for a brief moment before continuing, "With the untimely death of Marquis Aramaki and the continued illness of Duke Lin, the command of our kingdom has fallen to Marquis Long, formerly the Supreme Commander of Changsha/Yue. Both Lord Long and Lord Ma are warriors by profession, not politicians, so when I proposed to them this plan, they readily accepted. Lord Sei, the lords of Changsha and Yue wish to form a unified government with the other powers in the South, in particular your province of Huainan and Marquess Zhi's province of Wu. This unity government will be ruled by a council of lords, as represented by the three Southern realms, and every six months one of these lords will rule over the twelve cities that comprise Changsha, Yue, Wu, and Huainan. In this way, the south can become a unified nation as opposed to a scattering of alliances. Marquess Zhi is open to this idea, but will deferring to your decision concerning this proposal. As an act of faith and goodwill, the rulers of Changsha and Yue shall forgo our claim to the chairmanship position for the first six month period. Each of the constituent realms will still manage their own economy and armies, but we will defer to the leader of the council in terms of foreign policy, and for the determination of military strategy for said armies."

Sha looked straight at the Marquis as he spoke, "What say you, Marquis Sei? Will you consider this proposal?"

[Freefall]

There was a silence between the ambassador and the Marqius as he sat quietly stroking his beard. He knew that in order to survive in the wanton climate of the age, one had to solidify thier alliances. It made sense from a pratical point of view to the ruler, though the commander was sure there were levels of complexity beyond him. Internally he such things would be better discussed with Zhi. She would give it to him straight without the political tap dance....

So from a practical point it made sense...but there was something else that weighted on his thoughts. The purpose of his invasion of Jiujang was to eliminate his enemy, not increase his holdings. There was a sense of individuality that each province held to have Huianan ruled by Yue, even if for 6 months....seemed awkward to the former seaman.

The silence was broken when Jiang Sei took a deep breath, and took a moment to drink a sip of chilled wine that was nearby. Clearing his throat he spoke...

Sei: Minister Sha, my thanks in bringing this to me. Even in war...it is good to know we seek ways to promote peace and stability. This sounds like a good idea...but...I have concerns. I have been working very hard to become more....knowledgable it the art of dialogue. However our lands are friends so I will just be upfront. Right now, Yue, Huainan and even Wu have the same goals. To have a secure southern region free of Qin corruption, bloodshed, and tyranny. We also have the same enemies, Xiang Jun for example. However your lord is at odds with Chen She. While I may find myself in the same postion, I do not call him my enemy. His vassal in Jiujang has manupliated the man to his own ends, and thus forces me to strike agianst a man I respect. Yet if we all cosy up to eachother, who is to say that you don't strike agianst Chen She as your western assoicates wish to when your liege is in command?

He glanced over to the table where Marshal Zhou was finalzing some of the addiontal logistical information.

Sei: To be quite frank I also have a concern about losing the indentity of the province. The common soldier, the working servant, and the joyful patron can all indetify with their lands. It is a source of pride, and can at times bring the most complex emotions from it's people. This is the reason while I am turning Wu over to Marquess Zhi. While we may be militarily stronger, I think we may spiritually become weaker. It is not fair for me, or even Marquess Zhi to pass judegment on teh affairs of Yue when we know nothing of their people....

[357yangzhou]

The student of Zu Youzhu drives a mule drawn cart up to the gates of the audiance hall. "My master, General Zu, told me to deliver this armor to Marquis Sei," Hu Jian announced, as he dismounted the wagon.

[Freefall]

Ya A, the aide to the Marqius was on duty when the visitor arrived. Recognizing the offiers name he stepped forward.

Ya: I know General Zu, I can take that from you if you would like.