Zhao Yue's Audience Hall - Shangdang

[Saffron]

"Good morning." she commented to the guards. "I am here to see Zhao Yue. I have received a letter from him." She handed the guards the letter.

[ann]

The still morning air outside the city of Shangdang in Wei was disturbed by the sound of a small army of men marching in ordered ranks towards an empty field not far from the gates. A handsome man rode at the head of this group and, when he saw the city in the early morning light, called for a halt and gave orders for his men to camp.

When they were settled, the handsome man rode toward the city accompanied by four men who served as his personal guard. He had wandered far seeking a place to use his great skills and where he would be appreciated and rewarded but had decided to return to Wei, his childhood home, when he heard of a new Lord rising there. Perhaps, he thought, this man Zhao Yue would be worthy of him.

He made his way to the city slowly, concious, as always, of how he appeared to those peasants out working already. Many would stare at him in awe and he liked to think of this as his horse nickered in the freshening air.

When he reached the guards outside a great stone building, the man dismounted and gave orders to his guards. Then he approached a guard and said, "I have come to meet with Zhao Yue, your Lord."

[Unchained Phoenix]

Jiang Bao nodded and went to the building. He showed the letters to the guards and said " I am Jiang Bao and I was told to come here to speak to your governor. We are open to any searches of course. This is my friend Lan Kai."

Both awaits to be searched.

The gate guards nodded, searching the men and removing all suspicious and malicious items. "These will be returned to you guys upon your departure," the captain simply stated, signaling for the men beyond to open up the gates. The two would then be directed to the entrance guards, who again patted them down and removed anything threatening they could find. With the two searches completed, it was time to enter the Administration Building of Shangdang.

The entire first floor of the complex was dedicated to audiences, what with all of the suites for exalted officials located higher up in the building. The walls were like a maze, painted with dragons and symbols and all sorts of things, though sliding doors were hidden throughout where men and women alike conducted their daily business. Eventually, they were taken to the opposite side of the floor where they were motioned to remove their shoes, the doors then sliding open to reveal a large room with plenty of decor. The room was painted a golden hue, with small statues and intricately crafted antiques dotting the perimeter. Opposite the red rug in the center of the room was a raised platform equipped with two steps. Behind this platform was a draped tapestry that had a poem woven in, speaking of a new spring and the joys that are brought with it. The focus was not on this literature, however; it was on the man sitting crosslegged on his own floor mat on this platform.

"Good morning," the seated man said, motioning for his visitors to make themselves comfortable. He spoke only after tea was served. "What can I do for you two today?"

Murong Ba nodded his head of what Zhao Yue had spoke. "In that, I thank you on the behalf of my two brothers. If my little brother Jiang Bao had received your letter, I am very sure he will be coming here. I have left a note at the Legends Inn of my whereabouts but not of the purpose. I believe my fourth brother Wu Weilong will be coming here too if you had sent him a likewise letter." Murong Ba paused awhile, "I think if it is not imposing on your hospitality... I would like to stay here till they have arrive and conclude their decision. I would like to ask of you to pretend that I have never came to see you. If they have decide their plans here, so would be mine."

The Governor nodded sagely, a small smile neglecting to leave his face quite yet. "My hospitality is typically underestimated. You may stay in one of the suites on the second floor, with the same amenities any officer of mine would receive. I shall inform you of their arrival after I meet with them, and at that point you may make your decision regarding employment. Are there any other questions? If not, my attendants can show you to where you will be staying," Laoxin indicated with a nod of the head, which signaled the servants to reopen the sliding doors.

Wu Weilong bowed to the governor of Shangdang before sitting on the prepared mat and spoke with a light smile on his face.

"It is my honor to meet you, lord Zhao. As you might not remember, I received an invitation letter from you or your representative. I am particularly attracted by a line in the letter, saying that it would be my mistake had I not come here to meet you. I do not want to regret any potential mistake, plus it would be my first time to travel up North. You know, it is quite exciting to see things you never seen before."

The Southern swordsman paused a little before continuing his talk.

"I have just two simple questions that I wish lord Zhao would answer for me. First, What proof do you have to ensure me that it would be my mistake to not serve you? Second, if I decide to join you, How do you plan to make use of me and my puny skills?"

Zhao Yue kept his chin leveled, peering down at Wu Weilong with an unreadable expression. The questions intrigued him, and once he had finished off his first cup of tea, he responded. "I have no visual proof to show you at this time, only the tale of my past. I was born into a middle-class family in Gaonu, but my parents were killed in a raze when I was still an adolescent. Already wielding my own sense of independence, I begged to survive as I began my trek from the province, not wishing to stay in the place where my parents had both died. Eventually, I reached Shangdang, and found the abandoned shack that I lived in up until about two weeks ago. At first I was fighting to live on my alone, but eventually I met Qiao Lin, who introduced me to her family and secretly offered her family's benefits to me, including clothes, food, and love."

"Eventually, Lady Qiao b--er, her home burned down and she fled the province, leaving me by my lonesome. Her two noble parents died in the fire, and I felt abandoned once again. It took me six long years to get over the incident and rebuild myself, and under the guidance of White Wing of Shangdang, I earned a professional education in half the time. After my first five years of studies, I gained the 'hermit' status, regarded by my common man as an intelligent scholar who which they could learn many things. I neglected this new social status at first, but eventually I took it in my stride and allowed myself to network in order to establish connections in high places. That is how I arrived at this place today."

"I evolved from a three-year-old orphan to a twenty-four-year-old Governor not by using wealth or nobility, but my own perseverance and ingenuity. What was originally impossible immediately became possible; everyone said I would be doomed to bookkeeping until I died, but I overcame the expectations given to me and made a name for myself here in the North. Who else do you know could do such things with only a few meager resources? It would be a mistake not to join me in my conquests for what I can do with everyone against me. Just think of what I could do with worthy supporters and allies," he said strongly, squeezing his knees some as he spoke. "I don't mean to boast, it would just be better to be with me than against me."

Zhao Yue stuttered a bit at this point, a rarity for the young Governor. Regardless, he cleared his throat and continued. "I would probably be able to use you as a general, though I'm not sure if you would be suited as a vanguard general or a wing general or whatever else. I need men of martial ability to lead my forces while I take care of diplomacy and similar aspects of this organization, and you seem to be an excellent candidate for the job. However, I do not just assign my men any job I wish; I take personal preferences into account. What do you see yourself doing should you decide to enlist in my ranks?"

"Good morning." she commented to the guards. "I am here to see Zhao Yue. I have received a letter from him." She handed the guards the letter.

The guards eyeballed the letter, nodding and handing it back to the woman. "Very good. Although you have received a personal invitation, all guests must be searched for harmful weapons and all that. We will have a female attendant do the job should you consent to it, and all personal possessions confiscated would be returned upon your departure." The captain held his hands before him and awaited a response before deciding whether or not he needed to call for the servant.

When he reached the guards outside a great stone building, the man dismounted and gave orders to his guards. Then he approached a guard and said, "I have come to meet with Zhao Yue, your Lord."

The guards took note of the man's appearance and how he carried himself, but not wanting to judge someone before meeting them, the captain stepped forward and bowed. "Lucky day, the Governor just got out of a meeting and is open to taking audiences. But before we send you to the entrance garrison, we'll have to order a search. Safety was a big issue in Meng Yun's day, so we're trying to make sure no post-seizure rebellions or riots break out while we're setting up the new government. We apologize for the inconvenience," he said warmly.

[ann]

The man nodded and said, "I understand, I will submit to any reasonable search." He stood and waited with a small smile on his face.

[Unchained Phoenix]

(We can leave your escort at the entrance or in the lobby or something. )

The man nodded and said, "I understand, I will submit to any reasonable search." He stood and waited with a small smile on his face.

The gate guards nodded, searching the man and removing all suspicious and malicious items. "These will be returned to you upon your departure," the captain simply stated, signaling for the men beyond to open up the gates. The guest would then be directed to the entrance guards, who again patted him down and removed anything threatening they could find. With the two searches completed, it was time to enter the Administration Building of Shangdang.

The entire first floor of the complex was dedicated to audiences, what with all of the suites for exalted officials located higher up in the building. The walls were like a maze, painted with dragons and symbols and all sorts of things, though sliding doors were hidden throughout where men and women alike conducted their daily business. Eventually, he was taken to the opposite side of the floor where he was motioned to remove his shoes, the doors then sliding open to reveal a large room with plenty of decor. The room was painted a golden hue, with small statues and intricately crafted antiques dotting the perimeter. Opposite the red rug in the center of the room was a raised platform equipped with two steps. Behind this platform was a draped tapestry that had a poem woven in, speaking of a new spring and the joys that are brought with it. The focus was not on this literature, however; it was on the man sitting crosslegged on his own floor mat on this platform.

"Good day," he said warily as he waved for the visitor to take a seat. He didn't remember scheduling any meetings today, so this was probably some civilian who had a problem with something that he was doing. That is why this man was somewhat apprehensive in addressing him. "What can I do for you today?"

[ann]

The handsome man bowed and said, "You are Lord Zhao? I am Chen Ping, a man of Wei, and, hearing of your recent actions here in Shangdang I returned to meet you and, perhaps, to accept a position in your service should you have need of me and my men."

When he had finished speaking Chen Ping knelt slowly and waited for a response. Unobtrusively he examined the beautiful objects in the room carefully. They were quite wonderful and, he thought, must have been remarkably expensive. Chen Ping congratulated himself on his decision to come here - surely such a man would treat him as he deserved.

[Unchained Phoenix]

The handsome man bowed and said, "You are Lord Zhao? I am Chen Ping, a man of Wei, and, hearing of your recent actions here in Shangdang I returned to meet you and, perhaps, to accept a position in your service should you have need of me and my men."

When he had finished speaking Chen Ping knelt slowly and waited for a response. Unobtrusively he examined the beautiful objects in the room carefully. They were quite wonderful and, he thought, must have been remarkably expensive. Chen Ping congratulated himself on his decision to come here - surely such a man would treat him as he deserved.

Zhao Yue raised a brow. He hadn't heard of this 'Chen Ping' man, but if he had a decent following as he alluded to, then perhaps he was worth this Governor's time. Typically, Laoxin would be dubious and most likely sarcastic, but with potential talent visiting his halls, it would be best to be cordial and hospitable for now, and to save his doubts for later. "I am flattered by your offer, Sir Chen. However, I must ask you; what are your strengths? It would not behoove me to make a warrior a civil planner, or a strategist a bodyguard."

[ann]

Chen Ping liked to think his strengths were apparent and, far from humbling him, Zhao Yue's request rather dampened his hopes for being properly treated here. His face, however did not betray this but, instead, seemed frozen into a countenance of respect, though not quite subservience. He had made the decision to return to Wei and it seemed Zhao Yue was the only force in Wei with hopes of growing in power. And, of course, Chen Ping wished to advance with whomever he served. So, he thought briefly how best to cast his history.

"I see by your surroundings that you are a noble man with an eye for fine things. My own youth was, I am sure, very unlike either your own past or your present. Perhaps it will be sufficient to say that what I am I have made of myself. I was born with little but learned much and was the steward of an important shrine near the place of my birth. The shrine was destroyed during the uprisings and so I have traveled, learning much of war and how to make my way in hostile territories and times. And, along the way I have gathered a small force of men behind me. "

[Saffron]

Search

"Yes, yes fine." She said impatiently. "Here, actually let me do it for you. It would be much faster." She took her small dagger and handed it to the guard.

[Unchained Phoenix]

Chen Ping liked to think his strengths were apparent and, far from humbling him, Zhao Yue's request rather dampened his hopes for being properly treated here. His face, however did not betray this but, instead, seemed frozen into a countenance of respect, though not quite subservience. He had made the decision to return to Wei and it seemed Zhao Yue was the only force in Wei with hopes of growing in power. And, of course, Chen Ping wished to advance with whomever he served. So, he thought briefly how best to cast his history.

"I see by your surroundings that you are a noble man with an eye for fine things. My own youth was, I am sure, very unlike either your own past or your present. Perhaps it will be sufficient to say that what I am I have made of myself. I was born with little but learned much and was the steward of an important shrine near the place of my birth. The shrine was destroyed during the uprisings and so I have traveled, learning much of war and how to make my way in hostile territories and times. And, along the way I have gathered a small force of men behind me. "

Zhao Laoxin noticed a bit of change in the air, but he didn't comment on it as Ping didn't show any signs of distaste. Perhaps it was a misreading, but regardless, Yue knew he was treading on a more fragile territory now for some reason. He had to watch his mouth around this man, for it looked as if he had created his own righteous self-image, and the Governor didn't want to destroy it. "It is unfortunate that your shrine was attacked, but I am thankful that it allowed a man of your stature to come to my doorstep on this day. Us men of Wei need to band together to protect our home from these uprisings as you mentioned, and I would be more than happy to accept you and your men in my ranks. Surely, I could use a man of your ability and insight to guide me. Welcome to Shangdang."

(If he still accepts,) Chen Ping has been enlisted in the ranks of Shangdang!
(OI in mah thread puhleez because I am lonely~)

"Do you have any questions for me?" Laoxin asked, inwardly worried that Chen Ping might have made his decision to serve without knowing all that he might have wanted to know. "If not, the attendants at the door can show you to your temporary suite, and you will be able to choose a permanent residence at your leisure. Your men, of course, will receive appropriate housing as well."

"Yes, yes fine." She said impatiently. "Here, actually let me do it for you. It would be much faster." She took her small dagger and handed it to the guard.

The captain took the dagger and pocketed it, bowing soon afterward. "Apologies, but we will still have to go through protocol," he said, waving to the men behind the gates to open them up. When the iron bars slowly swung open, a small girl scurried out from the capital, being a few inches shorter than the visitor. After she patted Niao down and removed all suspicious and malicious items, she was shown to the entrance guard and again searched by an attendant. Once this was done, the darkness engulfed the escort party as everyone entered the Administration Building.


The entire first floor of the complex was dedicated to audiences, what with all of the suites for exalted officials located higher up in the building. The walls were like a maze, painted with dragons and symbols and all sorts of things, though sliding doors were hidden throughout where men and women alike conducted their daily business. Eventually, he was taken to the opposite side of the floor where he was motioned to remove his shoes, the doors then sliding open to reveal a large room with plenty of decor. The room was painted a golden hue, with small statues and intricately crafted antiques dotting the perimeter. Opposite the red rug in the center of the room was a raised platform equipped with two steps. Behind this platform was a draped tapestry that had a poem woven in, speaking of a new spring and the joys that are brought with it. The focus was not on this literature, however; it was on the man sitting crosslegged on his own floor mat on this platform.

"Good day," the Governor said, bowing as he sat to show his respect to a Lady. "What can I help you with today, madame?"