Liu Jin's Audience Hall - Shou Yang

[Krimzon]

"Hm, an unexpected turn of events. Your advisors are most wise. This will do much to bridge the gap between our peoples. Di will stand as a testament towards peace."

Yuan signals for one of the scribes who waited patiently for the summon.

"Huang Zhao, I must commend you for your administration and your defiance in the face of adversity. You have defended the people of Bei Di with utmost vigor and I would go as far to say that I would be honoured to have such a man in my employ. Both of you have proven your worth in battle and your dedication to the people. The mistress of Yong is most fortunate to have such able men at her side."

Yuan stroked his beard, pondering.

"Of course, for such an agreement to take place a fort must be built to ensure the negotiations are true of word and nothing unforeseen is wrought upon the people of Di. As you have said, the people have suffered enough and deserve security in a time of uncertainty. Now, shall we look over the details?"

[chandler_19]

Huang Zhao foresee the demand and tried to prepare an answer.

Huang Zhao The advisors of Lady Rui discussed a long time on the subject.

Huang Zhao took a small pause and continued gently trying to avoid to insult his host.

Huang Zhao With a fort between the frontier of Wei and Di, they feel that this may be more advisable for us to demand the right to possess a fort between Di and Sai. Even if the main army of our mistress is stationned in Sai, it won't stay there forever leaving Sai vulnerable from an attack from Di while most of the cities, towns and villages under King Liu Jin's rule will be protected by the fort between Di and Wei.

Once again, Huang Zhao took a pause clearly uncomfortable.

Huang Zhao There is no logic for us to yield Di and then try to retake it by force. Don't you think?

[Krimzon]

"This is unfortunate. However, I do not believe I had placed the construction of the fort under negotiation nor do I believe your Mistress is in any position to be making demands."

Yuan dismissed the scribe with a gesture of his hand.

"Due to past transgressions and the untimely fall of the Qin... it would not be wise to leave Di's border open to Sai."

Yuan waited, his polite smile faded from all expression.

[Satyrus]

Niou had kept quiet, he hadn't know the exact deal that was to be made, but he had felt it important to be at this meeting since he was magistrate of Gaonu.

"Master Yuan, we are already handing over a province to you. Won't you reconsider allowing the fort, for the sake of peace in Di?"

[chandler_19]

Huang Zhao listened to the answer of Yuan Shu and then the plea of Niou. He then replied.

Huang Zhao I will not gamble the life of thousands of men and women for the greed and the lack of trust of some individuals. The fort will be yours.

Even if the remark was made to Yuan Shu, Huang Zhao was thinking of his own side too. He understood why he failed his lordship. He then took time to calm himself.

Huang Zhao I hope that the province and the fort will be satisfying enough for your administration to consider peace saving in the process thousands of life. And even with a little act of faith, you might trust us enough to see us as friend and ally in a near future.

Huang Zhao calmly return to his listener state.

[Krimzon]

Yuan Shu nodded in approval.

"Understandably, my trust in Yong has been shaken these recent months however the fort is also necessary to protect the border against barbarian raiding parties." Yuan drew a deep sign of air before continuing. "My scouts reported their passage through Di and seeing as there has been no further sighting I can only assume they continued route. One cannot be too careful. A large military presence within the province could give terrible implications for Wei... peace is important to us."

Assuming the terms are acceptable, the formalities of the negotiation is finalized.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

[SCZhuge13]

A brash looking man stands before the city gates. His worn cloak and caked boots mark him as well traveled, but his strong frame and spear glistening in the sunlight mark him as more than a mere traveler. His sharp blue eyes search the walls for guards to address. Spotting one, he cries

"I am FuSheng Huang of Yan! I have come to offer my services and skills to the Lord of the City, Liu Jin! I have heard much of his ability - in both government and war - and I believe my talents in War can aid him on his journeys in our great Land."

Huang drops his traveling pack to the ground and strokes his goatee, continuing to eye the gates as he awaits an answer.

(yes, this is the audience hall, but as I had not yet really gained entrance its seems rather random for me to simply appear there, no?)

[Satyrus]

Niou Sui was glad to hear that things were at least moving along peacefully and it was now he finally decided to do what he had planned for a very long time.

Stepping forward he stands perpendicualr to the two men.

"I have never had the intention of leaving Di if I could, and have been been convinced of the good will of Lord Liu Jin and General Yuan."

He turns to face Huang Zhao and takes a step back toward Yuan Shu.

"I will be remaining in Di, under Lord Liu."

[chandler_19]

Huang Zhao accepted the decision of his former ally and enemy with ease.

Huang Zhao Niou Sui, You have always followed your heart and I have always respect this act. If you feel that you should stay in Di then you must do it.

Painfully Huang Zhao continued.

Huang Zhao Unfortunately, I feel that it is time for me to leave it behind. Since the first day that I have secure Bei Di, I have only brought misery and violence to the inhabitants of Di. I hope that it will flourish in a near future in my absence. At least, I now know that there will be someone I trust to look for it.

Turning to Yuan Shu, he replied to him.

Huang Zhao I have no further request for the moment. I need report the success of this peace negociation to Lady Rui Jiao Jin and his advisors. I sincerely wished that the defection of Niou Sui to your side won't shadow the effort made here.

Huang Zhao waited.

[SituJinrong]

SCZhuge:

The sergeant of the city guards who was on duty answered the hails of Fu Sheng. "I guess the king will be most happy to see you. He always keep an eye open for talented men. However, our protocols require a security search, nothing personal, we learnt to take extraordinary measures since the last assasination attempt."

Assuming Fu Sheng accepts the search and wepons were removed, he is later escorted to the audience hall where Jin was waiting.

After the preliminary courtesies were exchanged, Jin addressed the visitor, "Morning, dear sir, I was informed a man of war seeks to lend his skills to the Wei administration. I have yet to fully appraise your skills, but if you will stay on and allow Supreme Commander Wu to assess you on the job, I can then assign you to a position befitting your abilities. IN the meanwhile, you will receive full pay and adequate lodging as all other ranking officers. Is that agreeable?"

OOC: Post OI please, I will grant PH access in a while.