Zhao Yue's Audience Hall - Shangdang

[Xu Fu]

Once the search was completed Xu felt more at ease. He thought perhaps this governor is adept and within reason to perform such a thorough regard for himself being unknown. A smile crosses his face as he thinks of the words once spoke to him by a mongal chief (All men should fear me atleast those who do not know me) Xu proudly made his entrance gazing at the hanging banners and weapons. Once he came near Xu gave his most gracious salutation and greeting in the soldier fashion of bringing his fist to palm salute. He was delighted to take the position of guest all the while eyeing his host. He took the refreshments and thanked his host and server proving to be a most gracious guest.
" I bid you most venearble governor my gratitude for your accepting to see me today. I am Xu Fu the man you sought out by reputation. I can only hope that I do not dissapoint you my lord. My travels are with caution but with my elite force none dare to hinder my path should they be foolish and unwise."
Xu takes a deep breath and admits serving the first Emperor in the seven year war with the mongal nation
"My governor if I offend the please forget it but I must know of what alliance do you hold to the Empire. Or you for the Qin or against?
Xu gave his impression of sincerity and concern

[Unchained Phoenix]

Once the search was completed Xu felt more at ease. He thought perhaps this governor is adept and within reason to perform such a thorough regard for himself being unknown. A smile crosses his face as he thinks of the words once spoke to him by a mongal chief (All men should fear me atleast those who do not know me) Xu proudly made his entrance gazing at the hanging banners and weapons. Once he came near Xu gave his most gracious salutation and greeting in the soldier fashion of bringing his fist to palm salute. He was delighted to take the position of guest all the while eyeing his host. He took the refreshments and thanked his host and server proving to be a most gracious guest.
" I bid you most venearble governor my gratitude for your accepting to see me today. I am Xu Fu the man you sought out by reputation. I can only hope that I do not dissapoint you my lord. My travels are with caution but with my elite force none dare to hinder my path should they be foolish and unwise."
Xu takes a deep breath and admits serving the first Emperor in the seven year war with the mongal nation
"My governor if I offend the please forget it but I must know of what alliance do you hold to the Empire. Or you for the Qin or against?
Xu gave his impression of sincerity and concern

"Against," Zhao Laoxin replied simply enough, not startling any of his attendants in the room with his abruptness. It was good that he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, but it was almost shocking that he would confess to being against one of his neighbors, and the most powerful one at that. "They are the reason why violence is commonplace in this land, and they are the reason why I was orphaned at such a young age. For that, I can never forgive them," he stated before taking a gentle sip of his tea. "But if I need to pretend to be loyal to either of the Qin parties in order to survive, then that is what I will do. I'm not interested in making a fool of myself."

[Big Grizzy]

Jin Kai, with his brothers and Bianmi Fu in tow, approached the large building at which they expected to find Zhao Yue. Jin Kai bowed to the guardsmen outside.

"Greetings gentlemen. I have come at the behest of Master Zhao Yue. Can you take me to see him... after the requisite searches, of course."

[Xu Fu]

Xu gasped from expelling all his breath and hearing the answer given him (against) Xu leaned back in his position and felt this is a man of his own making. Following a self made man doesn't appose Xu's thoughts nor does the openly disdain feelings for the once ruling power. The times have changed and Xu was well aware of it.

" I see,.... your story is familiar with many that I have heard. I suppose the times have indeed changed."

Xu leans in towards and places his cup

" As governor you hold great power over the province, I cannot claim heritage nor kinship here. I can only search out my place. I ask you with the vastness of Wei might I militorise a town to ready myself to aid you in your cause."

[Unchained Phoenix]

Jin Kai, with his brothers and Bianmi Fu in tow, approached the large building at which they expected to find Zhao Yue. Jin Kai bowed to the guardsmen outside.

"Greetings gentlemen. I have come at the behest of Master Zhao Yue. Can you take me to see him... after the requisite searches, of course."

The guards nodded and searched the man. Once all malicious and suspicious items were removed, the iron gates slowly opened and Jin Kai was sent to the entrance guards who repeated the process. Once they were finished, they led him inside, engulfed by the darkness of the building's archway.

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 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.

"Presenting Jin Kai," the guard captain said from the opposite side of the sliding door, and Zhao Yue's dark eyes immediately lit up. "Ah, Sir Jin! I was thinking you weren't going to show up, but I am glad you did," he said coolly as tea was served on granite trays. "Please, drink up. There's too much tea in this damn city."

Xu gasped from expelling all his breath and hearing the answer given him (against) Xu leaned back in his position and felt this is a man of his own making. Following a self made man doesn't appose Xu's thoughts nor does the openly disdain feelings for the once ruling power. The times have changed and Xu was well aware of it.

" I see,.... your story is familiar with many that I have heard. I suppose the times have indeed changed."

Xu leans in towards and places his cup

" As governor you hold great power over the province, I cannot claim heritage nor kinship here. I can only search out my place. I ask you with the vastness of Wei might I militorise a town to ready myself to aid you in your cause."

"An easy request. However, you would have to enlist in my ranks and claim the town in my name, of course. After the town is secured, you would be given free rein as magistrate of the area that you conquer. Of course, you could attempt to conquer a town in this province without my blessing, but I would just prefer that you do so with the assistance of my finances and personnel." Laoxin took a sip of his tea to soothe his agitated throat. Talking so much was getting to him. "What do you prefer, Sir Xu?"

[Brother Dun]

After his visit to the courts of Zhao, Huo Xing took his escort to the neighboring lands of Wei. A new lord there, Zhao Yue, had sent him a letter shortly after taking over the city of Shangdang. He had considered blowing the upstart off, but after beautiful Na nagged at him a bit, he relented and decided to go.

Upon arriving in the city of Shangdang, the heightened security immediately caught his attention. As such, he was more careful about dispersing his escort. This time, the groups were slightly larger and always had at least one veteran leader amongst them, to account for the men. Stopping outside of the fortified gate, with his remaining escort of five men, he approached the guards on duty, "Greetings good sirs, I am Huo Xing of Yue. I have been invited here by your lord," he said, as he produced the scroll from his robes, "May I speak with him?"

[Unchained Phoenix]

After his visit to the courts of Zhao, Huo Xing took his escort to the neighboring lands of Wei. A new lord there, Zhao Yue, had sent him a letter shortly after taking over the city of Shangdang. He had considered blowing the upstart off, but after beautiful Na nagged at him a bit, he relented and decided to go.

Upon arriving in the city of Shangdang, the heightened security immediately caught his attention. As such, he was more careful about dispersing his escort. This time, the groups were slightly larger and always had at least one veteran leader amongst them, to account for the men. Stopping outside of the fortified gate, with his remaining escort of five men, he approached the guards on duty, "Greetings good sirs, I am Huo Xing of Yue. I have been invited here by your lord," he said, as he produced the scroll from his robes, "May I speak with him?"

"Yes," the guard captain replied warmly, although his facial expression went against his tone. "But you and your men will have to consent to a search. Your men may enter the Administration Building, but they will have to stay in the Lobby while you are taken to see the Governor. Agreed?"

[NightForever]

stuffs

Wu Weilong sat quietly as he listened to the past of the lord of Shangdang, nodding his head constantly in response along the story. The Southern swordsman could not help but grin lightly as lord Zhao suggested Weilong to better be with him rather than stand against him. Weilong, however, still said no word and let the lord of Shangdang finish his talk. Shortly after that, The fourth brother of the five legends started to speak.

"Lord Zhao, first of all, I did not expect you to tell your background story to such a stranger whom you have just met for the first time like me. It was such openness of you to do so. Yet, your story further amuses me greatly. My parents perished in the war since I was young as well. Hence, I somehow understand how it feels to grow up alone amidst violence all over the land. Yet, you managed to survive and become a ruler of Shangdang. I believe that a person like you can overcome any obstacle to reach the goal you set your mind to."

The Southerner paused a little and sipped some tea, before continuing his talk.

"As you asked me of my preference in position in the army, I foresee myself fits in either the head or the deputy in the melee combat section. I also can work as a bodyguard, but it is not my first preference. However, I must apologize that I could not join your force, at least right now, since I have some unfinished business in Yue. If you would not mind, could you allow me some time to think about my decision a little bit, at least until I finish my errand in Yue, before I make any decision whether to join you or not?"

[Seewichai]

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.

Murong Ba bowed with a his fist across his chest. A traditional gesture from his fostered tribe of showing respect. "In that case, if it pleases you... I like to take my leave. I sincerely hope my brothers will decide to offer their service to you as I.... think you are a man deserved of my service. However, my brothers' decision will play the second part to that consideration."

With that, Murong Ba walked to the sliding doors and stopped midway. Turning around, "Governor Zhao, with your permission, I like to collect my spear in the custody of your guards."

If it is allowed, Murong Ba proceeded to the sentries to collect his Heaven's Fall and stay at the premises of Zhao Yue.

[Unchained Phoenix]

Wu Weilong sat quietly as he listened to the past of the lord of Shangdang, nodding his head constantly in response along the story. The Southern swordsman could not help but grin lightly as lord Zhao suggested Weilong to better be with him rather than stand against him. Weilong, however, still said no word and let the lord of Shangdang finish his talk. Shortly after that, The fourth brother of the five legends started to speak.

"Lord Zhao, first of all, I did not expect you to tell your background story to such a stranger whom you have just met for the first time like me. It was such openness of you to do so. Yet, your story further amuses me greatly. My parents perished in the war since I was young as well. Hence, I somehow understand how it feels to grow up alone amidst violence all over the land. Yet, you managed to survive and become a ruler of Shangdang. I believe that a person like you can overcome any obstacle to reach the goal you set your mind to."

The Southerner paused a little and sipped some tea, before continuing his talk.

"As you asked me of my preference in position in the army, I foresee myself fits in either the head or the deputy in the melee combat section. I also can work as a bodyguard, but it is not my first preference. However, I must apologize that I could not join your force, at least right now, since I have some unfinished business in Yue. If you would not mind, could you allow me some time to think about my decision a little bit, at least until I finish my errand in Yue, before I make any decision whether to join you or not?"

Laoxin was a but surprised that the tragic tale of his childhood was labeled 'amusing', yet he was glad that someone else in the world shared a similar background. It was somewhat comforting, yet eerily sad as it just dawned on the Governor how many people in this country was without the love and support of their own parents. "I see. Very well then, you may leave as you will. I'm not interested in pressuring people to make hasty decisions, as it is not my nature. You may return any time you'd like," he said, motioning for the sliding door to be opened to allow Wu Weilong to leave if that is what he wished.

Murong Ba bowed with a his fist across his chest. A traditional gesture from his fostered tribe of showing respect. "In that case, if it pleases you... I like to take my leave. I sincerely hope my brothers will decide to offer their service to you as I.... think you are a man deserved of my service. However, my brothers' decision will play the second part to that consideration."

With that, Murong Ba walked to the sliding doors and stopped midway. Turning around, "Governor Zhao, with your permission, I like to collect my spear in the custody of your guards."

If it is allowed, Murong Ba proceeded to the sentries to collect his Heaven's Fall and stay at the premises of Zhao Yue.

Inside, Zhao Yue was rather annoyed by the fact that none of these men was mature enough to make a decision on their own. Perhaps he didn't understand the impact a family had on one's life... unfortunate. "Understandable. Return when you have made your decision, and my doors will be open. Your spear should be at the iron gates," he said, nodding to indicate to the attendants to allow Ba to leave.