Chen Sheng's Audience Hall - Chen

[Naxr]

Xiang Kai, a middle aged man in modest attire, had just arrived in Chen after a long journey from his home in Liang. Feeling like this was sort of a vacation from his usual long days administering his town of Anyang, he took his time wondering through the city, checking out the wares in the marketplace, and watching the people walk by as he sat down for a cool drink at a local tavern. Finally deciding to proceed with his original objective, he made his way to the audience hall of the Chen Sheng. Surprised at the number of guards idling in front of the structure, he approached them, "Hello, I am Xiang Kai of Anyang, in Liang. May I request an audience with the King of Chu on this fine day? You may search me if you like, though I am unarmed, I understand that these increased security measures are necessary in these times..." he said with a smile.

[ann]

After the search by the guards, Ti followed the captain to the audience chamber and looks for a functionary to announce him. Finding one, he begins.

Why hello, I am sure you are the one who will announce my presence. Let your king know that Zheng Ti, the greatest of our land's public administrators is here to see him and solicit an offer of employment.

Pen Dao, that most harried of secretaries, bowed to Zheng Ti and said, "Indeed, it is I who would announce you to my King. But," Pen Dao paused and glanced toward a group of rough men at the other end of the large room, "Perhaps I could get some further information before I do so?"

After he finished saying this he stood slightly straighter and, clearing his throat, said, "Why do you seek to serve the King CHen Sheng? From where do you come and what idea do you have of his goals?"

After being searched the man silently followed the servant as his eyes moved in all different directions. It was now obvious to him that the answer he sought to the question he wished to present was no longer needed. Unlike probably most the sight before his eyes did not shock the man and instead left a warm feeling within him. He had seen such places before though not on such a large scale. As he neared the halls the man left out a snicker before halting. Once allowed entrance his eyes shifted the room once before focusing solely on the 'king'.

"I am Niu Xiong, a native of Xiangcheng." he announced himself before continuing. "Since I've walked through the gates I've seen many things. Things that I believe to be unlike the Qin and their customs. There seems to be a lack of spineless ministers about wandering the corridors as well as a chaotic aura. Perhaps I am mistaken but I believe I've found the answer to the question I wished to present. That aside..." he paused.

Glancing to the servant whom had addressed him the man cracked another grin. Lowering body the man slowly moved down upon one knee whilst focusing back upon the 'king'.

"..I ask that you allow me the privilege of fighting within your army. I have spent a majority of my life fighting against the Qin. Though I grow old I can assure you that I am still able to hold my own. My leg is not of a problem to me and will heal soon..."

edit: Just changed the location in which my PC was from..

A large and rough looking man stood and stared at Niu Xiong. The slight smile on his face and the cup in his hand made clear that he'd been celebrating something. Around him were several men, they were a varied group - both large and small. The King was dressed in ill-fitting silken robes; they seemed made for another man. Chen She listened to the Niu xiong speak and then, with a look at the men around him said, "The enemies of the Qin are many and they all flock here!"

Chen She handed his cup to a servant and, as he did so, his face changed and it became clear that he had not been celebrating as much as might have been supposed a moment ago. He moved toward the visitor and Pen Dao and said, "Stand up and tell me more about your story."

Xiang Kai, a middle aged man in modest attire, had just arrived in Chen after a long journey from his home in Liang. Feeling like this was sort of a vacation from his usual long days administering his town of Anyang, he took his time wondering through the city, checking out the wares in the marketplace, and watching the people walk by as he sat down for a cool drink at a local tavern. Finally deciding to proceed with his original objective, he made his way to the audience hall of the Chen Sheng. Surprised at the number of guards idling in front of the structure, he approached them, "Hello, I am Xiang Kai of Anyang, in Liang. May I request an audience with the King of Chu on this fine day? You may search me if you like, though I am unarmed, I understand that these increased security measures are necessary in these times..." he said with a smile.

The guard's eyes widened slightly and he said, "That is a long distance to travel unarmed." He seemed to remember his duties and then said, "Yes, you must be searched in any case and then you may enter. They will inform you inside about the King and whether he is available."

He performed the search quickly and then a servant was called to lead Xiang Kay into the building. Inside he was led to the antechamber of a large audience hall. A distracted man walked up quickly and, with a bow, said, "I am Pen Dao, a secretary here. If I might ask, what business do you have with the King?"

As he spoke he indicated an area in a small alcove with mats and a low table. "You may sit if you like and I will have tea brought?"

[trippy]

Seeing the harried secretary squirm, the large man laughed affably.

The King's goals should be his own and shouldn't worry those in his employ. I am from Yangchen, and am trained and experienced in oversight and administration of municipalities. I started overseeing villages, moved to towns and my brilliance brought me to city oversight in quick succession. I would give you fifty taels if you could find anyone better at providing corruption free governance in bringing income and troops. What your King does with that money and those men is his business as long as I am properly compensated and honored for my work.

[Naxr]

The guard's eyes widened slightly and he said, "That is a long distance to travel unarmed." He seemed to remember his duties and then said, "Yes, you must be searched in any case and then you may enter. They will inform you inside about the King and whether he is available."

He performed the search quickly and then a servant was called to lead Xiang Kay into the building. Inside he was led to the antechamber of a large audience hall. A distracted man walked up quickly and, with a bow, said, "I am Pen Dao, a secretary here. If I might ask, what business do you have with the King?"

As he spoke he indicated an area in a small alcove with mats and a low table. "You may sit if you like and I will have tea brought?"

Accepting the invitation to take a seat, Xiang Kai did so, remarking, "You are too kind, thank you!"

Then, addressing the question, he answered "I am here today as a magistrate of the town of Anyang in Liang. In the interest of my people, I hoped that the King of Chu, being a man that holds the admiration of many in my area, would in his infinite wisdom endorse my efforts to bring order to the Liang province."

[Ran Tu Hui]

Though the streets of Chen seem quite busy - almost too busy - one man walks down the street with his eyes closed, as if he's reflecting on something. He's a fairly young man, certainly his hair hasn't turned gray yet. However, despite his age, he wears the scars of many a battle. Suddenly, he pauses and opens his eyes. And what eyes they are - the sheer intensity alone is enough to knock anyone over.
"So this is the great audience hall in Chen. Let's see if the King of Chu might hear us."

The man strides to the guards of the hall with confidence.
"Greetings, I am Ran Tu Hui, chief of a small village in this province of Chu. If it is possible, I would like to speak to Chen She, the King of Chu."

[GoGo the Monkey]

A large and rough looking man stood and stared at Niu Xiong. The slight smile on his face and the cup in his hand made clear that he'd been celebrating something. Around him were several men, they were a varied group - both large and small. The King was dressed in ill-fitting silken robes; they seemed made for another man. Chen She listened to the Niu xiong speak and then, with a look at the men around him said, "The enemies of the Qin are many and they all flock here!"

Chen She handed his cup to a servant and, as he did so, his face changed and it became clear that he had not been celebrating as much as might have been supposed a moment ago. He moved toward the visitor and Pen Dao and said, "Stand up and tell me more about your story."

A frown came upon the mans face when he heard the kings request. His head still lowered and his eyes well focused on the ground he went into quick thought. Placing his right hand upon his thigh the man cleared his face of emotion as he raised himself slowly.

"My story has long ended and is not anything special. However if the king wishes to hear it I shall comply." the man uttered before clearing his throat and speaking aloud. "I was born into a once prominent merchant family within Xiangcheng in 249. But I will not give you my full life as such detail is not needed. I shall just say that like others the fall of the Kingdom of Chu affected my family. Having grown up on the tales of our once great kingdom i've stood against the Qin since childhood. In the year 236 I happened to stumble upon an elderly man I mistook for the Qin Emperor named Ji Song. It was with this encounter that I was first taught the arts of war amongst other things. Using the knowledge I gained from this encounter I begun to recruit and organize my friends. From the years 234 to 223 I won and lost small skirmishes against the Qin with my 'bandit force' as they called us. Due to certain events in 223 I've fled into hiding up until this point..."

Closing his eyes for a brief moment the man let out a small sigh before opening them once more. He hoped that his story was brief enough as he did not wish to bother the king for too long. It was obvious to him that his audience was taking place at a rather odd timing.

"I am aware my story is probably like that of many others. But I assure you that unlike them I have learned from my mistakes. These past few years I have dedicated to improving myself. All I wish to do at point in life is exact my revenge and join my friends in death.."

[ann]

Seeing the harried secretary squirm, the large man laughed affably.

The King's goals should be his own and shouldn't worry those in his employ. I am from Yangchen, and am trained and experienced in oversight and administration of municipalities. I started overseeing villages, moved to towns and my brilliance brought me to city oversight in quick succession. I would give you fifty taels if you could find anyone better at providing corruption free governance in bringing income and troops. What your King does with that money and those men is his business as long as I am properly compensated and honored for my work.

Pen Dao gave a start at the large man's laughter and he straightened his spine. Listening to the man's words he narrowed his eyes and then said, "The King of Chu, Chen Sheng, has overthrown the Qin where he has been able. Many of us ... in his employ ... believe strongly in that goal or we would not serve."

Peng Dao shook his head slightly and then, in a somewhat less intense tone, said, "You seem to care only for money. How could you be trusted here when we are beset with enemies?"

Accepting the invitation to take a seat, Xiang Kai did so, remarking, "You are too kind, thank you!"

Then, addressing the question, he answered "I am here today as a magistrate of the town of Anyang in Liang. In the interest of my people, I hoped that the King of Chu, being a man that holds the admiration of many in my area, would in his infinite wisdom endorse my efforts to bring order to the Liang province."

Pen Dao smiled and nodded and said, "I am sure that the King will be pleased to hear of the esteem the people of Liang feel for him. And," he paused for a moment and his eyes narrowed slightly, "Do I understand that you wish to pacify Liang for the King Chen She?"

Though the streets of Chen seem quite busy - almost too busy - one man walks down the street with his eyes closed, as if he's reflecting on something. He's a fairly young man, certainly his hair hasn't turned gray yet. However, despite his age, he wears the scars of many a battle. Suddenly, he pauses and opens his eyes. And what eyes they are - the sheer intensity alone is enough to knock anyone over.
"So this is the great audience hall in Chen. Let's see if the King of Chu might hear us."

The man strides to the guards of the hall with confidence.
"Greetings, I am Ran Tu Hui, chief of a small village in this province of Chu. If it is possible, I would like to speak to Chen She, the King of Chu."

The guard nodded and said, "If you will submit to the search I will have you escorted to the secretary Pen Dao. He is handling visitors at the moment."

((assuming search))

After a quick but thorough search the guard motioned for someone to take his post and led the visitor quickly toward the Audience Hall of Chen Sheng.

Inside an anteroom a man dressed rather plainly with ink stains on his long fingers knelt working with a scroll. as they entered he looked up and, seeing the visitor, rose and bowed.

"I am Pen Dao, a secretary of the King. What business have you here?"

A frown came upon the mans face when he heard the kings request. His head still lowered and his eyes well focused on the ground he went into quick thought. Placing his right hand upon his thigh the man cleared his face of emotion as he raised himself slowly.

"My story has long ended and is not anything special. However if the king wishes to hear it I shall comply." the man uttered before clearing his throat and speaking aloud. "I was born into a once prominent merchant family within Xiangcheng in 249. But I will not give you my full life as such detail is not needed. I shall just say that like others the fall of the Kingdom of Chu affected my family. Having grown up on the tales of our once great kingdom i've stood against the Qin since childhood. In the year 236 I happened to stumble upon an elderly man I mistook for the Qin Emperor named Ji Song. It was with this encounter that I was first taught the arts of war amongst other things. Using the knowledge I gained from this encounter I begun to recruit and organize my friends. From the years 234 to 223 I won and lost small skirmishes against the Qin with my 'bandit force' as they called us. Due to certain events in 223 I've fled into hiding up until this point..."

Closing his eyes for a brief moment the man let out a small sigh before opening them once more. He hoped that his story was brief enough as he did not wish to bother the king for too long. It was obvious to him that his audience was taking place at a rather odd timing.

"I am aware my story is probably like that of many others. But I assure you that unlike them I have learned from my mistakes. These past few years I have dedicated to improving myself. All I wish to do at point in life is exact my revenge and join my friends in death.."

Chen She listened closely and, as he listened began to look confused. When the visitor had finished he said, "Emperor Ji Song?" He scratched his head and his eyes narrowed, "I don't know who that is. I only know the First Emperor and his son." He looked suspiciously at the visitor and then said he said, "Did they send you to gather firewood? I've heard it's a hard life and does things to a man."

[Ran Tu Hui]

Though the streets of Chen seem quite busy - almost too busy - one man walks down the street with his eyes closed, as if he's reflecting on something. He's a fairly young man, certainly his hair hasn't turned gray yet. However, despite his age, he wears the scars of many a battle. Suddenly, he pauses and opens his eyes. And what eyes they are - the sheer intensity alone is enough to knock anyone over.
"So this is the great audience hall in Chen. Let's see if the King of Chu might hear us."

The man strides to the guards of the hall with confidence.
"Greetings, I am Ran Tu Hui, chief of a small village in this province of Chu. If it is possible, I would like to speak to Chen She, the King of Chu."

The guard nodded and said, "If you will submit to the search I will have you escorted to the secretary Pen Dao. He is handling visitors at the moment."

((assuming search))

After a quick but thorough search the guard motioned for someone to take his post and led the visitor quickly toward the Audience Hall of Chen Sheng.

Inside an anteroom a man dressed rather plainly with ink stains on his long fingers knelt working with a scroll. as they entered he looked up and, seeing the visitor, rose and bowed.

"I am Pen Dao, a secretary of the King. What business have you here?"

"Very well, search me if you must. I understand that these times require more stringent security."

Ran Tu Hui enters the anteroom, still as confident as ever. As the man in front of him bows, Tu Hui does likewise.

"Greetings, Pen Dao. I come to Chen She's city from my village, Zhenchu, in this province of Chu. I requesting one thing: that I am allowed to live. You see, I have a small army under my command near my village. It is of no threat to your king, and I wish to prevent any confusion that may arise should he happen to send officers patrolling through the area of the province I live in. I do not wish to interfere with the king's affairs."

[Naxr]

Pen Dao smiled and nodded and said, "I am sure that the King will be pleased to hear of the esteem the people of Liang feel for him. And," he paused for a moment and his eyes narrowed slightly, "Do I understand that you wish to pacify Liang for the King Chen She?"

"Yes, though he is of another province, the people of Liang notice his humble roots and so see him as one of their own. And I too share his desire to root out corruption in order to bring peace and justice to the land. I only hope that I can bring to Liang what he has brought to Chu," he said with feelings of admiration.

[trippy]

Pen Dao gave a start at the large man's laughter and he straightened his spine. Listening to the man's words he narrowed his eyes and then said, "The King of Chu, Chen Sheng, has overthrown the Qin where he has been able. Many of us ... in his employ ... believe strongly in that goal or we would not serve."

Peng Dao shook his head slightly and then, in a somewhat less intense tone, said, "You seem to care only for money. How could you be trusted here when we are beset with enemies?"

You confuse the desire for prosperity with greed my overworked acquaintance. Look at me, do you think I would be of any use to anyone if your king was beset with martial enemies? I lift a scroll, not a halberd. I rain order, not arrows. I am no idealist. I am quite skilled at what I do, and I expect that to be rewarded. If I am in your king's employ, and left to administer one of his cities your coffers and your armies will be so great that your king won't have rivals who could besiege him for fear of his numbers and arms.
If you worry about my loyalty, pay me what I am worth and it isn't a problem. I won't ask to be duke or general or grand title of supreme arrogance. If I am a magistrate, paid 100 taels a month and periodically rewarded with books, robes, or jewelry I will not stray.